A timely look at the problem of unsupervised children and the risks and dangers that can occur is offered in the second edition of this book. Thoroughly updated with new research, the authors put the latchkey phenomenon in perspective and attempt to dispel common misconceptions. They detail a variety of alternative care programmes that have been successfully implemented in many communities in the United States, including after-school care, childminders and after-school hotlines. Further they provide some strategies for businesses, government, schools, and libraries who are indirectly faced with significant care-giving responsibilities.