This report on young adolescents 10 to l5 years old, who are on their own from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. discusses after-school programs, barriers to providing a broader array of programs, and strategies for decision making about after-school opportunities for latchkey children. Explored are the nature and extent of the problem, its multiple causes and facets, current program and policy trends, and the wisdom of alternative initiatives. Chapter 1 explores the latchkey issue in terms of the impact of changes in families and work, the number of unsupervised young adolescents and young adolescents participating in organized activities, the extent to which self-care causes harm, what parents want, barriers to using available services, and the population needing services. Chapter 2 offers a brief history and overview of after-school programs for young adolescents, and a discussion of program outcomes related to skills acquisition, delinquency prevention, youth employment, and academic achievement. Chapter 3 presents a topographical map of federal policies, state and federal legislative initiatives, licensing regulations, tax incentives, and guidelines for determining child neglect. After a sampler of recommended public policy changes in Chapter 4, Chapter 5 analyzes public policy alternatives, including maintaining the status quo, supporting comprehensive child care and youth development programs, supporting public awareness campaigns and community service programs, and providing a transportation subsidy and start-up funds at the state level. (RH)