This review of child health care services examines some comprehensive primary care programs begun in the past decade throughout the U.S. and explains in simple language current thinking about the organization of health care for children. It is noted that loss of support may threaten certain currently successful programs, and that a great need exists for public support in the reorganization and expansion of comprehensive health care programs, particularly for disadvantaged groups. The book's focus is on primary care, which includes the majority of health services needed by children and is seen as an area of great disparity in access to and quality of service, particularly for disadvantaged groups, both rural and urban. Summarized are research findings on: financing of and access to health care; organization of health services; manpower constraints; and ties between the health system and related concerns such as food, housing, jobs and education. Suggestions are made for effective advocacy of health care reform. In surveying health care costs over the past 10 years, the report states that those programs which have alleviated problems of access and provided comprehensive services have also dealt most successfully with escalating costs. It was found that, when access to health facilities is eased, there is an increase in the use of preventive services. Appendices include a bibliography, a list of resources on health recordkeeping issues, and types of health services and existing Federal programs for children and expectant mothers. (BF)