Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood and 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. Examples of ACEs include experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect; witnessing violence in the home; and having a family member attempt or die by suicide.
Research shows that parents facing financial hardship are more likely to experience stress, depression, and conflict in their relationships and family, which increases the risk for violence and other ACEs. In the past few months--as governors issued stay at home orders and closed non-essential businesses to stop the spread of COVID-19--millions of Americans have lost jobs, experienced severe reductions in pay, or have had to take leave to care for themselves or sick family members. As a result, many are doing all they can to make ends meet but are struggling to pay for childcare, medical services, and housing. These financial hardships cause stress and conflict that puts children at risk for experiencing ACEs.
ACEs can be prevented by implementing policies that strengthen household financial security. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, states are working to strengthen economic support for families by proposing legislation to streamline the unemployment benefits process, increase access to paid family leave, and stabilize housing by prohibiting evictions or penalties for late rental payments. Below is an overview of state legislative activity to increase financial stability for families during the COVID-19 pandemic which may help to prevent ACEs.
For the full articles, please go to: https://www.astho.org/StatePub...g-COVID-19/04-15-20/
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