Reviews research examining the effects of self-care skills training programs on latchkey children's knowledge, behavior, and emotional well-being. Suggests ways in which the findings can be used to improve the quality of self-care instruction and presents directions for future research. (Author/TE)

Describes a survey of public libraries that examined the phenomenon of latchkey children. Findings discussed include the estimated number of latchkey children in public libraries, effects on the library, library policies, and services provided and recommended for latchkey children. Specific recommendations to help public libraries clarify their…

As parental supervision declines, behavioral and psychological risks for young people increase. This study presents data outlining differences between regularly supervised and relatively unsupervised young adolescents in the ways they spend their time. Unsupervised teens' lifestyles are dramatically different from their supervised counterparts.…

Change Analysis; Discusses after-school homework programs in public libraries that help latchkey children and others who need extra support and encouragement. Considers changes in librarian's attitudes toward homework help; the history and need for community-based after-school programs; scholastic benefits for students; and library staff benefits,…

Discusses the differing study findings regarding the impact of self-care on children. Describes the "Balancing Work and Family Life" project, which tested a self-care preparation curriculum designed to teach children and parents the skills necessary for safety and survival in self-care settings. (SO)

According to a recent Harris poll, over 50 percent of American teachers believe that the most critical factor undermining school performance is children's being left alone after school. Lack of child care in the U.S. has reached crisis proportions. Twenty-first century schools will need to be dual-purpose and creatively financed. Includes five…

This article briefly describes five programs designed to help eliminate the negative aspects of self-care for latchkey children. Suggestions for other programs and ways to begin setting them up are discussed. (MT)

Examined the latchkey status of young adolescents and its effect on their well-being. Found that students at home after school for less than 3 hours report adjustment scores similar to those of students not home alone after school. Students left longer reported much higher levels of depression and behavior problems and lower levels of self-esteem…

The long hours that latchkey children are alone make them sexually vulnerable and provide them with increased opportunities to participate in sexual activity. Their sexual development is as likely influenced by peers, older siblings, television, movies, and books as by their parents. (IAH)

Describes development of a program at the public library in Seaside, California, that offers afterschool homework assistance. Tips on funding, staffing, publicity, services, future plans, and evaluation are provided, and the benefits of this program for latchkey children are considered. (MES)

Checklist to help parents determine whether self-care is appropriate for their children asks whether the child feels secure alone, completes chores, obeys rules, communicates well, lives in a safe area, has a nearby emergency contact, and can telephone a parent. Recommends that parents and children discuss self-care and alternatives. (SM)

Considers the challenges that unattended, or latchkey, children create in public libraries. Discusses demographics and factors that have led to the increase in unattended children; typical library responses; opportunities for service to this group; elements of successful programs; future trends; and further research needs. (Contains 50…

In approximately 60% of married-couple families with children under the age of 18, both parents work outside the home. Among single-parent families in 2004, the mother was employed in 72% of those maintained by women, and the father was employed in 83% of those maintained by men. 55% of all children in low-income families have at least one parent…

Analyzes age and sex differences among children and adolescents who call KIDLINE, a community telephone service that provides information, support, and assistance to latchkey children. Finds that most calls come from younger children, are conversational in nature, and are from females. Recommends hotlines only as supplements to organized child…

The self-care (or latchkey) arrangement has emerged in the 1980s as a topic of interest to parents, practitioners, and policy makers. Reviews major policy issues and questions about self-care. The following topics are covered: the meaning of self-care, consequences of self-care for children's development, policy implications, and resources for…