Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences: Leveraging the Best Available Evidence.
Authors: Debra E. Houry, James A. Mercy
Publication Year: 2019
Last Updated: 2019-10-24 14:29:32
Journal: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control,
Keywords: traumatic events, social norms, social-emotional learning, victim-centered services, “technical package�, home visitation
Short Abstract:
ACEs are a serious public health problem with far-reaching consequences across the lifespan. They are also preventable. The strategies outlined here, drawn from the CDC Technical Packages to Prevent Violence, are intended to change norms, environments, and behaviors in ways that can prevent ACEs from happening in the first place as well as to lessen the immediate and long-term harms of ACEs. To maximize impact, these strategies and approaches are intended to be used in combination as part of a comprehensive effort to help ensure that all children have safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments in which to thrive and achieve lifelong health and success. The hope is that multiple sectors, such as public health, health care, education, public safety, justice, social services, and business will use this information as a guide and join CDC in efforts to prevent ACEs.
Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years) such as experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect; witnessing violence in the home; and having a family member attempt or die by suicide Also included are aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding such as growing up in a household with substance misuse, mental health problems, or instability due to parental separation or incarceration of a parent, sibling or other member of the household. An estimated 62% of adults surveyed across 23 states reported that they had experienced one ACE during childhood and nearly one-quarter reported that they had experienced three or more ACEs. ACEs can have negative, lasting effects on health, wellbeing, and opportunity. These exposures can disrupt healthy brain development, affect social development, compromise immune systems, and can lead to substance misuse and other unhealthy coping behaviors.
ACEs and their associated harms are preventable. Creating and sustaining safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children and families can prevent ACEs and help all children reach their full health and life potential. The evidence tells us that ACEs can be prevented by:
• Strengthening economic supports for families
• Promoting social norms that protect against violence and adversity
• Ensuring a strong start for children and paving the way for them to reach their full potential
• Teaching skills to help parents and youth handle stress, manage emotions, and tackle everyday challenges
• Connecting youth to caring adults and activities
• Intervening to lessen immediate and long-term harms
Abstract:
ACEs are a serious public health problem with far-reaching consequences across the lifespan. ACEs can have negative, lasting effects on health, wellbeing, and opportunity. They are also preventable. An estimated 62% of adults surveyed across 23 states reported that they had experienced one ACE during childhood and nearly one-quarter reported that they had experienced three or more ACEs.
ACEs and their associated harms are preventable. Creating and sustaining safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children and families can prevent ACEs and help all children reach their full health and life potential. The evidence tells us that ACEs can be prevented by:
• Strengthening economic supports for families
• Promoting social norms that protect against violence and adversity
• Ensuring a strong start for children and paving the way for them to reach their full potential
• Teaching skills to help parents and youth handle stress, manage emotions, and tackle everyday challenges
• Connecting youth to caring adults and activities
• Intervening to lessen immediate and long-term harms
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