This Kids Count report examines statewide trends in the well-being of North Carolina's children. The statistical portrait is based on 20 key indicators of child well-being: (1) infant mortality; (2) low birth weight infants; (3) births to teens; (4) births to mothers with early prenatal care; (5) child deaths; (6) regulated child care enrollment; (7) fourth grade math and reading proficiency; (8) seventh-graders writing at or above grade level; (9) SAT scores and percent of graduating seniors taking test; (10) public school drop outs; (11) per pupil expenditure; (12) reported child abuse and neglect; (13) substantiated child abuse and neglect; (14) children in foster care; (15) admissions to training schools and detention centers; (16) child poverty rate; (17) Temporary Assistance to Needy Families recipients; (18) food stamp recipients; (19) children receiving free/reduced price school meals; and (20) children in publicly subsidized child care. Part 1 of the report explains some of the primary issues surrounding the indicator topics, provides an overview of the statewide findings, and details recommendations related to background health, educational, social, and economic indicators. Part 2, the bulk of the report, offers specific findings for all 100 counties with both tables and special issues highlighted. For each county, one indicator is featured as a "celebration" of its progress and another indicator is identified as a "concern," in which the county needs to make more progress. Population statistics and trend data (typically from 1990 to 1998) are included for each county. Part 3 of the report presents data notes and sources. (KB)