NRPA Advocacy Update, June 2005 After-School Programs Alter Lives of At-Risk Youth Park and recreation department-sponsored programming is effective in reducing crime and educating children By Monica Hobbs Vinluan, J.D. School typically lets out around 3 p.m. But most children’s parents do not get home from work until 6 p.m. or later. What do children do during these crucial late afternoon hours? Across the country, local park and recreation departments operate after-school programs that provide quality educational and enrichment activities for kids while keeping them safe and out of trouble. According to the Census Bureau, at least 7 million “latchkey children” return to an empty house on any given afternoon because their community does not offer sufficient, affordable after-school programs providing educational and enrichment opportunities. Children and their families need more after-school programs to fill this critical gap, and local park and recreation departments can help by offering more programs in their communities.