Introduction to ACEs: What Investigators, Prosecutors, and MDTS Need to Know

Experiences in childhood matter. Numerous research studies have shown that childhood stress and trauma can impact adult health. The ACE Study is the largest study investigating the health and social effects of negative childhood experiences. Now that we have the research, what can we do about it? The cycle of violence, generational poverty and abuse, homelessness, substance abuse, incarceration, perpetration and victimization of violence are all related to ACEs. Strategies such as identifying, assessing, reducing risk and exposure, and nurturing resiliency and skill building are effective interventions for mitigating the effects of ACEs. This presentation will increase your knowledge of adverse childhood experiences, trauma and will provide approaches for the MDT in working with children, families and community partners to reduce the impact of trauma.