The event is free and open to the public, but please RSVP here to reserve your spot!

The "school to prison pipeline" describes a widespread pattern of children being pushed out of school and into the criminal justice system. In Washington, D.C.'s public schools, African-American students are almost six times as likely to be suspended or expelled as their white classmates. Students with disabilities are also disciplined at higher rates than their peers. We are now just beginning to understand the various ways in which trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and toxic stress also play a significant role in fueling the school to prison pipeline. Join us to learn about efforts now underway in the District of Columbia to dismantle the school to prison pipeline by using trauma-informed and resilience-building approaches, and discover what you can do to get involved! 

Featuring diverse perspectives from legislators, educators, advocates, and persons with lived experience, including remarks from At-Large Councilmember David Grosso, Chairperson, Education Committee, on current plans, including what investments are needed, to create trauma-sensitive public schools; Tammy Seltzer and Taylar Nuevelle from the DC Jail and Prison Advocacy Project on trauma informed approaches to support incarcerated adults; youth poet ambassadors from the Free Minds Book Club; and more! 

Community co-sponsors include: Children's Law Center, DC Lawyers for Youth, Turnaround for Children, and University Legal Services.

About Trauma Informed DC and ACEs Connection Network:

The primary purpose of Trauma Informed DC (TIDC) is to build a network of DC metropolitan area-based organizations and individuals who are interested in learning about and addressing the impacts of trauma and toxic stress on the health and wellness of residents. Areas of engagement include outreach, narrative building, leadership development, training & technical assistance, research, policy & advocacy. 

Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TraumaInformedDC

Follow us on Twitter: @traumafreedc

ACEs Connection Network: This community of practice uses trauma-informed, resilience-building practices to prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and to change systems to stop traumatizing already traumatized people.www.acesconnection.com

TIDC’s summer activities are planned in collaboration with the NAMI Star Center:www.consumerstar.org