Trauma is costly to every state, county and city government. Either directory or indirectly, childhood adversity, abuse and neglect impacts every family in the state. We may experience trauma first hand, witness it or go to school and work with those with untreated trauma.
The costs to taxpayers include those associated with child welfare, law enforcement and judicial systems, health care cost, special education and more. When one takes into account the productivity lost due to being traumatized, we are able to calculate millions of dollars.
An epidemic of trauma is very expensive.
Prevention strategies shown to reduce trauma and maltreatment are the wisest investment a government can make. There is a strong business case to make for investing in the safety of families.
If we want safe childhoods, successful students and emotionally healthy workers, the cost-benefit is abundantly clear.
This means doing prevention is a very different way. To achieve success we must first address the root causes of childhood trauma and maltreatment.
From Seattle to NYC, elected officials have the blueprint for moving forward in our book Anna, Age Eight: The data-driven prevention of childhood trauma and maltreatment by authors Katherine Ortega Courtney, PhD and Dominic Cappello.
Resilience Leaders is our new program that can support every city and county in working collectively to ensure safe childhoods and empowered parents. This means increasing the quantity and quality of ten vital family-centered services including behavioral health care, medical care, safe shelter, food, transportation, early childhood learning programs, youth mentorship, family-centered schools, parent supports and job training.
Yes, it sounds like a moonshot approach--a bold vision. That's what's needed and possible.
Join us in doing groundbreaking work that will ensure safe and successful children and families.
With visionary leadership and collaboration our children thrive.
Join us.
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