We're Making Headway on Teaching how Toxic Stress Affects Children

The highlight of the day for me was the visit we had from Congressman Lloyd Doggett of Texas, a key sponsor of the legislation that created the commission. I was thrilled to hear a member of Congress be a true champion for children! The issue of the safety of America's children knows no partisan lines, and to hear him speak with such knowledge and genuine passion was great. But what really made his remarks significant was his mention of Alliance for Children and Families member The Children’s Shelter, located in San Antonio and led by Annette Rodriguez, and his recognition of its terrific work. In addition, he twice mentioned the influence of toxic stress on a developing child.

For those of us who have long been professing the impact of adverse childhood experiences on a person’s bio/behavioral/social/neuro development, we should take a moment to celebrate. We are beginning to be heard, and systems are beginning to change! Thank you Congressman Doggett. I will blog regularly on the work of the commission, but yesterday was a great beginning to this two-year commission and some very hard and important work ahead.