Although it has become commonplace in our society for children to take care of themselves for periods of time every day while their parents work, not much is known about the adequacy or effects of these self-care arrangements. Recent studies have reached very different conclusions regarding academic performance, social skills, self-esteem, school adjustment, influence of peers, and behavior problems of latchkey children. A number of educational curricula have been developed to help children who stay alone to care for themselves, and at least one program attempts to facilitate decision-making about whether to place a child in self-care. Concern about the number of children staying alone has stimulated action on the part of the federal government, state governments, and local communities. (PCB)