Describes the use of a transformative service learning model to design and implement an environmentally focused service learning class structured to sensitize students to the needs of the community and to enhance the community's capacity to resolve environmental problems. (SLD)

Seven Circles is a substance abuse prevention coalition in Southeast Alaska with a two-tiered structure consisting of local partnerships joined together in a regional coalition. Describes the results of surveys designed to assess the development and implementation of youth/adult partnerships. Results support the youth/adult partnership model and…

Introduces the AmeriCorps/Campus Corps program which is designed to integrate service learning into Maryland community colleges. Uses a model that can be replicated on a local level with all of the outside classroom legwork associated with service learning provided by the members of AmeriCorps. Describes the struggles regarding faculty recruitment…

Presents the perspectives on commissioning and using evaluations of community-based agency leaders through interviews with four such leaders. Discusses respondents' needs and experiences in commissioning and using evaluations and their ideas about ideal evaluation products. (Author/SLD)

Discusses ways in which a community-based program evaluation can be enhanced by using a screening tool to delineate the program's evaluative needs, resources, and commitments. Describes use of the Evaluation Pre-Screening Tool and reports on some examples of successful use. (SLD)

Describes the efforts of one community to define, begin, and finally, embrace community evaluation in the evaluation of a Smart Start program in Cumberland, North Carolina. Lists lessons learned in "selling" the evaluation to the community. (SLD)

Proposes a framework for the evaluation of health and human services programs in community settings. Applies this framework to the discussions in this special issue to see how well the chapters advance community-based program evaluation. Concludes that the chapters are valuable for those interested in improving the evaluation of community-based…

Reviews findings obtained from a review and analysis of 37 standards for batterer programs in the United States that were in existence as of September 1997. Examines standards for content, categories, and common themes. Reviews conclude that regulations achieving greater uniformity in the field of intervention have been remarkably successful.…

Pennsylvania Extension youth and family educators (n=62) participated in an inservice program on enhancing community youth development programming. Participant evaluations showed significant gain in knowledge and understanding of community youth development concepts and support for the importance of developing a common framework and language for…

This brief paper reports the results of two observational studies examining the impact of fines for youth tobacco possession on public smoking among youth. Preliminary findings are presented that suggest that when police issued warnings and tickets to reduce underage youth possession of tobacco, in both towns the number of youth smoking in public…

Many professionals who work with very young children and their families have not received training in infant mental health (IMH). The Ounce of Prevention Fund recognized this unmet need and formed a multidisciplinary support network for teams of home visitors, parent group facilitators, community program supervisors, and mental health clinicians.…

Winter, like all seasons, adds a new sense of mystery and discovery to the world of young children. It is the time when they can study snowflakes, find icicles, or observe the birds that share their yards. This article presents ideas and suggestions on how to plan a playscape. A playscape is a man-made seasonal playground for young children. It…

The "Research & Action Report," published twice a year, is a window on the activities and initiatives at the Wellesley Centers for Women. The report typically features news about the Centers, interviews with researchers, commentary on recent events or social trends affecting women and girls, announcements of new publications, and…

This report to Congress provides critical information about the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and their Families Program (CMHI), including the characteristics of children, youth, and families as they enter the CMHI; the outcomes attained for children and youth, and their caregivers and families after entry into the…

Although widely available, little is known about the effectiveness of youth cessation treatments delivered in real-world settings. The authors recruited a nonprobability sample of 41 community-based group-format programs that treated at least 15 youth per year and included evidence-based treatment components. Data collection included longitudinal…