Page 18 - BTC Yearbook 2016

level 5 (return on investment) evaluation data which reflect the impact of Touchpoints™ training
and application on a broader scale.

Highlights since began: Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County enhanced our
overall delivery of care to families by using relationship-building strategies and communication
tools based on the Touchpoints™ approach. We also provided opportunities to build providers’
capacity within our funded agencies through observation and participation in encounters that
demonstrate the Touchpoints™ concept of anticipatory guidance. Additionally, since we began
using this methodology, we have also developed our Infant Mental Health Level 1 and 2 training
curriculum. The Touchpoints Guiding Principles and Assumptions were adopted as part of this
curriculum to allow practitioners to go deeper in their learning of the approach.

Additional highlights include our child welfare study and pediatric residency pilot. In our Child
Welfare Study, we examined the effects of Touchpoints Training on child welfare practitioners’
knowledge and practice. Touchpoints trained practitioners (n = 30) gained knowledge of child
development and strengths-based practices. A comparison group of practitioners who were not
trained in TP (n = 18) did not show comparable gains. Results give credence to the effectiveness
of relationship-based training in early childhood programs serving at-risk children and
families. In our Pediatric Residency Pilot, the evaluation results suggest that participants who
completed the Touchpoints Introduction Series had an overall positive experience and
specifically connected to the relational focus of the training. Qualitative data showed that
participants saw parents in a more positive and less judgmental way, and reinforced their
strength-based practice with families after participating in the Touchpoints Introduction Series.
There was no specific data with regard to developmental knowledge. Furthermore, both
quantitative and qualitative results indicated that participants were using what they learned in the
training in their practice with children and families between sessions. All in all, participants
stressed the usefulness of Touchpoints for their daily practice and learning.

Professional development highlights include the ability to continue our supervision, reflective
practice, and mentoring of and within our Trainer Cadre. Our collaboration with BTC supports
our continuous learning through professional development opportunities (our own internal
learning circles and retreats as well as BTC sponsored events like the Forum). Going deeper
with the material and reflecting with our peers keeps our Touchpoints team engaged and curious.