This document is comprised of the 1997 issues of a quarterly newsletter of the Harvard Family Research Project, designed to share new ideas and experiences in evaluating systems reform and comprehensive child and family services. The first issue focuses on evaluation methodology and includes articles on the following topics: (1) mixing evaluation methods; (2) case study methodology; (3) learning organizations; (4) self-sufficiency assessment; and (5) automated information systems in community-based agencies. The second issue concerns the evaluation of school-linked services and includes articles on: (1) best practices in evaluation design and in evaluating outcomes, collaboration, and sustainability; (2) Vermont's goals and strategies for integrating education and social services; (3) using program staff perspectives in evaluation; (4) local use of data; (5) New Jersey's School-Based Youth Services Program; (6) Boston's Extended Services School; and (7) Communications for Child Protection Project. The third issue (combining numbers 3 and 4 for the year) deals with the evaluation of community-based initiatives (CBI) and includes articles on: (1) improving CBI evaluation practice; (2) implementing a theories of change evaluation; (3) neighborhood indicators; (4) learner-centered evaluation practice; and (5) the Kellogg Youth Initiative Partnerships. Each issue includes information on training opportunities/conferences and evaluation resources and updates on HFRP's research results. (KB)