Touchstone Foundation has announced the results of a yearlong study evaluating youth mental wellness needs in Lancaster County. Touchstone Foundation will host a lunch event on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the S. Dale High Leadership Center, 1861 William Penn Way, Lancaster, to discuss the study results and share information about next steps.

Touchstone Foundation, formerly known as Lancaster Osteopathic Health Foundation (LOHF), published a Lancaster County Children's Behavioral and Mental Health Needs Assessment in January 2015. Since that time, the COVID-19 pandemic and various social movements occurred, and the foundation decided to reevaluate.

The intent of the study was to listen and learn from youths and to check in with parents and caregivers. The study consisted of a listening tour with youth ages 14 to 26 who live in Lancaster County and an online survey of parents and caregivers of Lancaster County students ages 5 to 26.

The study was designed to serve as an introduction to the trends and common themes emerging. The experiences and perspectives recorded in the report are not exhaustive, and additional considerations will continue to emerge.

Analysis of data from the parent survey and youth listening tour focus group sessions revealed a need for positive, trusted adult role models for youths in Lancaster County. In response, Touchstone Foundation plans to issue a request for applications for its new Youth Mentorship Partnership Program. The program's goal is to support the development and training of adult mentors who will partner with Touchstone and organizations that serve local youths. Mentors will have all current background checks and child abuse clearances. They will receive training on Youth Mental Health First Aid and understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and complex trauma.

To view the full Youth Mental Wellness Needs Assessment report, visit https://tinyurl.com/TouchstoneAssessment.