This is the first edition of what is intended to be an annual, comprehensive report on trends in the well-being of America's children and youth. It contains two sections: the first is a quick-reference guide describing national trends for 74 indicators of child and youth well-being based on data collected by the federal government. The information provided for each indicator includes one or more tables documenting recent historical trends and important population sub-group differences, graphics to highlight key trends and group contrasts, and accompanying text that briefly describes the importance of each indicator and highlights the most salient features of the data. The indicators are organized into five substantive areas: (1) population, family, and neighborhood; (2) economic security; (3) health conditions and health care; (4) social development, behavioral health, and teen fertility; and (5) education and achievement. The second section of the report offers a narrative treatment of a particular topic affecting the well-being of children and youth. This edition's article, by Donald J. Hernandez, offers a review of trends in, and detailed historical tables on, the socio-demographic characteristics of children, youth, and their families. Contains 28 references. (EV)