Despite the widespread use and acceptance of indicators in so many fields, this research method tends to be underutilized in the broader social policy arena. One reason may be the haziness that exists about how social indicators differ from other types of research in the social sciences. In addition policy makers may have little or no knowledge of the purposes for which social indicators are best suited, and when the use of indicators is inappropriate. This brief for policy makers and other concerned with improving child well-being was developed to raise awareness and encourage further discussion about the use of this research method. The brief details five purposes that social indicators can serve: description, monitoring, setting goals, increasing accountability, and"reflective practice"--which functions like an internal evaluation. The brief also sounds some cautionary notes about the misuse of social indicators, suggesting, for example, that it is inappropriate to use these statistical markers to determine cause and effect. (Author/HTH)