In its analysis of the impact of the proposed Presidential budget for fiscal year l984 on the future well-being of black children and families, this report recommends that social programs assisting these families in harsh economic times be improved rather than reduced. Specifically, the social programs or service areas discussed include Child Welfare Services; Title XX Child Care; Head Start; Aid to Families With Dependent Children; Compensatory Education for Disadvantaged Children; Education for All Handicapped Children; Vocational Education; Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Services; Special Supplemental Food for Women, Infants, and Children; Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Medicaid; and Child Nutrition Programs. A general description of each program is provided along with a discussion of its legislative intent and history and an analysis of the proposal's potential effect on black children. It is argued that funding reductions, block grants, decreased federal regulations, and program eliminations threaten the well-being of low-income children and of black children in particular (due to their overrepresentation among the poor). Strategies for use by child advocates and other concerned individuals are provided to help protect those programs important to the development of black children. Persons responsible for particular program issues are listed. (BJD)