This three-month project built a data base to explore a possible correlation between low income status and children's death rates in Washington. A study of children's deaths in Maine provided a partial model for the project. A computer file was built from 1985-86 death certificates of children and youth aged birth to 20 years. Participation in financial assistance programs in the year before death was used as a proxy for low income status. Individuals who had died in 1985-86 were matched to the DSHS Eligibility File for the year preceding death to determine which children and youth had been receiving services during the year before their death. Birth certificates and Traffic Safety Commission data on motor vehicle deaths were also linked to the file. Preliminary analyses of the data base produced twelve tables showing causes of death and death rates per 100,000 for the overall population and selected income, age, sex, and ethnic subgroups. The technical work for the study was performed by the Office of Information Services and the Office of Research and Data Analysis. A policy-oriented report was prepared by Patricia Wilkins of Children, Youth, and Family Services. The Office of Research and Data Analysis prepared this report.