To determine the status of latchkey programs in the United States, a questionnaire requesting information on actual or pending latchkey programs and legislation was sent to each state superintendent of schools and the secretary of the education committee of the state legislatures in the 50 states. A content analysis of the questionnaire responses and accompanying literature was made. Data was quantified and tabulated in terms of six general questions: (1) What are the characteristics of latchkey children? (2) What are the characteristics of latchkey parents? (3) What is the nature (types) of programs designated for latchkey children? (4) On what kind of demographic data are latchkey programs based? (5) What kinds of data are keyed to the designing of successful latchkey programs? and (6) What is the present and pending status of latchkey legislation in the 50 states? A total of 31 questionnaires with related literature were returned. State-by-state summaries of responses are provided in six tables. Results indicated that few programs are available for latchkey children. Generally, existing programs were extensions of day care and were social and recreational in nature. Many involved teaching survival skills to home-alone children. Only Illinois had passed legislation for latchkey children. It is concluded that latchkey programs must be expanded. A two-page bibliography is included. (RH)