Perhaps 8 million children spend the after-school hours at home alone. In the absence of adult supervision, many of these youths are likely to engage in delinquent or other high-risk activities. Research suggests that after-school programs can help to prevent youths from engaging in these activities in two ways: by providing constructive activities for youths, and by encouraging the development of constructive adult-child relationships. There are a variety of after-school programs available to parents. However, when parents do not or cannot enroll their children in after-school activities, research suggests that it is especially important for parents to be engaged in their child's life. (OR)