Touchstone Project Evaluation Report, 1996-1997.

The Portland Touchstone Project is a school-based integrated services program that focuses on alcohol and drug prevention by developing family strengths, by improving family relationships, and by enhancing the resiliency of at-risk youth. Information on project activities, guidelines for future development, and an evaluation of the program from 1996-1997 are presented in this report. The evaluation of the project resulted in five major findings. It provided direct services to 772 at-risk children and their parents. The program sponsored 226 Family Unit Meetings which were attended by almost 900 individuals as the basis for their strengths-based interventions with families. Of the Touchstone case families, 70 showed significant improvement in family cohesion and family adaptability; students in grades 3 through 8 showed basic skills achievement gains. Although these youth did not achieve at the same level as a comparison group, the test scores indicate that participation in the project positively affects student learning. Finally, in a follow-up survey, approximately 92% of the parents surveyed reported that they were very satisfied with the project and had developed new family strengths. (RJM)