Program Success
A national evaluation conducted in 2019 found that DFC coalitions were successfully building local capacity and engaging in the seven strategies for community change. Most importantly, the evaluation found that coalitions are having a positive impact in their communities.
DFC coalitions:
- Reported that substance use/misuse declined for youth living in DFC funded communities
- Significantly increased the number of youth who reported not using substances in the past 30 days
Coalitions most commonly reported fostering protective factors such as pro-social community involvement, positive contributions to peer groups, and positive school climate, among others. They also addressed risk factors, such as perceived acceptability of substance use, availability of substances, and favorable attitudes towards substance use, among others.
Seven Strategies for Community Change
Coalitions Employing Strategy
Seven Strategies for Community Change
1. Providing information
Coalitions Employing Strategy
99%
Seven Strategies for Community Change
2. Enhancing skills
Coalitions Employing Strategy
87%
Seven Strategies for Community Change
3. Providing support
Coalitions Employing Strategy
62%
Seven Strategies for Community Change
4. Enhancing access/reducing barriers to systems and services
Coalitions Employing Strategy
69%
Seven Strategies for Community Change
5. Changing consequences
Coalitions Employing Strategy
40%
Seven Strategies for Community Change
6. Changing physical design
Coalitions Employing Strategy
40%
Seven Strategies for Community Change
7. Educating and informing about modifying and changing policies
Coalitions Employing Strategy
49%
