The need for latchkey programs revolves around working parents. Often jobs last beyond school hours, and kids may go home to an empty house. Latchkey provides activities and companionship for the children until they can be picked up at the end of the workday.
Latchkey is not simply a supervised place for kids to do their homework. Programs may offer all sorts of activities or instruction to keep kids occupied and intrigued. These may include dance, computer skills, sports and other activities.
The psychological and social effects of latchkey have been highly studied. Research seeks to answer a range of questions regarding differing "characteristics" between latchkey and non-latchkey kids. A recent survey, by Ruth C. Reynolds, concluded that the number of latchkey programs provided today, throughout the country, is seriously lacking .