In addition to the surveys described below, every three years CTC uses a survey of its own design, so as to explore emerging issues and issues of local importance that are not addressed in the standard national surveys. The survey retains a core set of questions from national surveys to maintain an annual check on critical behaviors, and it draws research-tested questions from established surveys to the extent possible. Since 2017, this survey has been based largely on the Department of Education’s School Climate Survey (EDSCLS).

It is designed by the Regional School Health Task Force (RSHTF) with the aim of providing information desired by local schools and community groups. Community members interested in particular data for needs assessments, program evaluations or grant applications are invited to submit their ideas to the RSHTF for possible inclusion in the custom survey. 

2024 Results:
Summary Slides
Report
Questionnaire
Video Series
_{*Note: Slides linked above are also available in .ppt format by request.}

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is administered other year in select communities across the The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) also run a modified version of the YRBS in select communities across the state. Using the YRBS locally therefore enables us to compare our young people to their peers in the state and the nation as a whole.

The YRBS monitors a broad range of health-related behaviors among youth, including physical activity, nutrition, substance use, sexual behaviors, and experiences related to mental health and violence. It helps inform policies and programs to improve youth health and well-being

2023 Results:
One-Pager
Summary Slides
Report
Questionnaire
Video Series
_{*Note: Slides linked above are also available in .ppt format by request.}

The Prevention Needs Assessment Survey (PNA) is a comprehensive survey that evaluates youth behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions related to substance use, mental health, and risk/protective factors in their environment. It aims to identify community needs for prevention efforts and track trends over time.

The PNA was developed by the Washington University’s Social Development Research Group (SDRG) and was heavily influenced by the Communities That Care prevention system, which provides tools and strategies for data-driven community prevention efforts. The detail it provides on risk and protective factors in the school, family, and community have proven valuable for community assessment and strategic planning.

2022 Results:
One-Pager
Summary (Video)
Summary (Slides)
Report
Questionnaire
_{*Note: Slides linked above are also available in .ppt format by request.}

2022 CTC Member Survey:

Many thanks to those of you who took the CTC member survey. We had 51 responses, and tremendously thoughtful input on the open-ended questions. The Coordinating Council will use the findings in the ongoing strategic planning process. On the whole, respondents expressed satisfaction with

• Provision of information about youth health, 94%, satisfied or very satisfied
• Efforts to promote collaboration, 90%
• Participation of influential people from key sectors, 90%
• Clarity of vision, 88%
• Follow-through on plans, 86%
• Communication among members of the Coalition, 73%
• Helping members articulate how their work is connected to a community-wide effort, 73%

Areas for growth include:

• Using members’ skills effectively, 58% satisfied
• Helping members improve programs in their own organizations, 54% satisfied)
• Communication about issues of concern and resources to address them, 69% satisfied

2021 Remote Learning Survey:

Summary

Report

Questionnaire

2020 EDSCLS:
Summary Slides
Questionnaire

2019 YRBS:
Summary Slides
Report
Questionnaire

2018 PNA
Summary Slides
Report
Questionnaire

2017 EDSCLS:
Summary Slides
Questionnaire

Focus Groups and Interviews (2015-2022):

In 2015-2016, CTC conducted a set of interviews and focus groups as a part of a community assessment on the topic of youth substance use. The report on findings for all community stakeholders is available here. A separate report on the focus groups conducted among youth is available here.

Focus groups on substance use and mental health issues were held with local parents and youth in the summer of 2022. Select results from those focus groups were integrated with the 2022 Results Summary Presentation. For more information on the results of those focus groups, please contact Nick Hathaway.