I just posted this over in the larger ACEs Connection site but I wanted to link it here as well since Philadelphia ACEs Connection is linked in the Philly.com article!
This is a fantastic piece written on Philly.com's the Public's Health page that speaks on the recent national news story about a 2-year old boy found alone walking in LOVE park. After the child was taken into custody, it was discovered his family was homeless and sleeping on cardboard boxes nearby, sparking a debate on how we are caring for persons in need, how poverty is often criminalized, and, as brought up in this article, the trauma and toxic stress that is put on those experiencing homelessness and poverty.
ACEs research and the Philadelphia ACEs Connection is linked in the article:
"Today in the United States there are more homeless children than there have ever been in American history. One in 30 American children does not have a regular place to call home. Research shows that homeless children suffer from hunger and get sick more often than their peers with homes. They miss more school and have higher rates of mental illness. The chronic stress caused by homelessness can cause changes to their brains that will adversely impact their health and well-being throughout their lives. And when they grow up and have their own children, the cycle can start all over again, as a series of studies of what are known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) – described in several previous blog posts – have shown.
Some good news: Philadelphians are talking about this issue. And the situation for Jeremiyah and his family is looking up. Individuals and organizations have stepped forward with donations of food, jobs, shelter, and other resources that most of us take for granted. This is a testament to Philadelphians’ generosity."
Glad to see more news stories that are asking the question "What happened to you?" rather than "What is wrong with you?".
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