Somebody Stood up for Me: We Can Reverse the Effects of Childhood Trauma

Speaking of his seemingly improbable success in 2007, then-Senator Barack Obama said, "I will never forget that the only reason that I'm standing here today is because somebody, somewhere stood up for me when it was risky." Recognizing those who helped him succeed, Mr. Obama touched on a simple yet critical truth: When faced with obstacles and adversity, we need the dedication and care of others to help us succeed.

Last Friday, a committed group of elected officials, public health researchers and children's advocates gathered in Los Angeles to stand up for the children in California who live with a much more stark set of realities -- children who have suffered trauma and who don't have the dedication and care that they need to thrive.

Led by Assembly member Roger Dickinson and Dr. Robert K. Ross of The California Endowment, these leaders participated in a hearing of the California State Assembly Select Committee on Delinquency Prevention and Youth Development to raise awareness of the distressing reality of childhood trauma, bullying, and violence in California, and their long-term consequences.

Sadly, we know that millions of American children suffer from violence, witness abuse, or endure neglect on a regular basis. We also now know that repeated trauma literally blocks children's bodies, brains, and minds from developing in a healthy way, leading to negative health outcomes such as depression, obesity, heart disease, smoking, and binge drinking. But we haven't known the real reach and impact of this heartbreaking epidemic in California -- until now.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/esta-soler/somebody-stood-up-for-me-_b_5113073.html