This Kids Count data book examined trends in the well-being of Oregon's children, focusing on the well-being of preteens. This statistical portrait is based on 12 indicators of child well being: (1) juvenile arrests; (2) teen pregnancy; (3) suicide attempts for 10- to 17-year-olds; (4) high school dropout rate; (5) eighth grade reading proficiency; (6) eighth grade mathematics proficiency; (7) child abuse and neglect cases; (8) crimes against persons; (9) child deaths; (10) low birthweight infants; (11) infant mortality; and (12) child care supply. The report's introductory section discusses the preadolescent period as one of tremendous change marked by increased conflict at home, changing expectations at school and with peers, and greater exploration of the wider world. The section discusses the roots of adolescent problem behavior, focusing on violence in children's lives, substance abuse, mental health, and educational success. Proven strategies in each area are highlighted. The remainder of the report presents indicator data for the state and for each county. County data tables compare the current measure for each indicator to its 5-year average and with the state level. Overall, the report's findings indicate that 40 percent of Oregon middle school students reported being in a physical fight in the past year, 3 percent reported carrying a weapon to school in the past month, and 6 percent reported attempting suicide in the past month. Twenty-six percent of eighth graders reported drinking alcohol in the past month, 1 percent dropped out of school in the 1998-99 school year, and between 20 and 25 percent fewer students met state reading or mathematics standards in Grade 8 than in Grade 3. The report concludes with data notes, data sources, and definitions. (KB)