This paper assesses present health care needs of children & adolescents, summarizes recent trends influencing health care for this group, & explores areas of future concern to caregivers & health care professionals. One area of present concern is the rate of adolescent suicide, which increased 75% between 1968 & 1978. A national yearly rate of 5000 suicides is suggested, as are 50-200 attempts for every completed act.(NBB)