This report, the first from a congressionally mandated evaluation, draws on case studies in six of the ten states included in the national evaluation, focus groups, preliminary data from a survey of low-income uninsured families nationwide, and enrollment records from three states. The authors found that states acted quickly and made great use of the flexibility afforded by the SCHIP statute to design their programs, although they did face many implementation challenges. Despite the challenges that remain, evidence to date suggests that SCHIP is a successful program popular among legislators, families, advocates, and providers alike. [Read the corresponding press release.]