LATCH evaluations are designed to assess children's and infants' competency with car safety restraints, evaluate how well push-button restraints operate, explore solutions for improving installation, and investigate latch problems from children or caregivers. LATCH evaluations are meant to remove the mystery of in-vehicle installation and provide clarification for non-experts. The five basic components that need to be assessed with LATCH Evaluations are the seat belt's attachment mechanism, the anchors for securing to a vehicle's frame, the car seat's anchorage system (lateral straps or a universal connector), car seats' locking capability, and ease of use.
The LATCH Certification Program evaluates the accessibility, efficacy, and ease of use of the car seat's installation systems and their compatibility with vehicles. NHTSA initiated the program as a way for parents, caregivers, child passenger safety technicians, and installers to judge the quality of a child's car seat. According to the NHTSA guidelines, "Car seats should be installed in a location that allows for two adults to buckle at least two children into the seat.