While we know that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can cause risk behaviors, research has told us that the presence of protective factors can help mitigate the effects of ACEs. Common risk behaviors such as smoking tobacco and alcohol misuse can be a result from the trauma of childhood disadvantage. In responding to ACEs, public health research proposes that protective factors such as safe, stable, nurturing relationships (SSNRs) with a caring adult can mitigate the long-term effects of...

I am Selena Rowell, director of the Columbus County Partnership for Children in North Carolina. The reason why I support ACEs Connection is because of the great potential to promote healing and hope to individuals and even to the entire community. We value the work of ACEs Connection and its entire support team. ACEs Connection provides free guidance for any agency seeking to promote a more inclusive community. The guidance is also available for individuals who may be struggling or trying to...

In 2019 and 2020, dozens of states enacted nearly 60 laws and resolutions that reference adverse childhood experiences or trauma. In this post, there's an interactive map that shows them all.