Analyses describes the objective situation of children and women using standard indicators of health status, education levels of living, employment deviance and poverty. Contends that the curtailment of developmental and supportive programmes occassioned by adjustment programmes have impacted severely on children and women from low income households. Contends that a large portion of Jamaican children are reared in damaging and dangerous circumstances and identifies major problems inhibiting their full development. Examines the productive and reproductive role of women and comments on their high level of unemployment and low wages, the individuals need for social support and the level of response currently made through the provision of social services. Outlines the problems requiring urgent attention and points to the need for extensive collaboration between government ministries ans agencies, lessening regional disparities, business sector involvement and more community education.