Hi all,
Has anyone done this in a coordinated manner w/ coordinated follow-up? We're thinking about using our CASAs to do the survey (to also empower the CASAs). We're also thinking about mapping the organizations that would be able to support building resiliency... to give the CASAs, families, etc a way to build and implement a plan (outside the legal system). A community 'hug' of sorts.
Would love any thoughts on this!
Replies sorted oldest to newest
My question is, "For the sake of what?".... I think that has to be really clear up front. Generally, the tools we offer to people with high ACES benefit EVERYONE...it is the way everyone should be treated: with dignity and respect.
Knowing about ACES is really helpful for systems so they can improve their structures to make sure each person is treated with dignity and respect, and it is really helpful to individuals so that they can know they aren't crazy or defective - the brain really does adapt to its environment. If you've experienced a lot of adversity, your brain will have adapted. That means that some things you'll be a lot better at (picking up subtle non verbal signals, responding quickly) and somethings you won't be as good at (e.g., being able to easily self regulate, letting go of small things that might not have been personal but seem personal, holding onto hope and optimism).
So asking why/how knowing the ACE score will empower the CASAs upfront will determine next steps. Maybe it will be helpful to get numbers. Maybe they just need to know that many people have high ACES and the kids and families they work with tend to have much higher ACES. They need to understand the brain biology and know real tools that are useful for everyone, but especially important for those with high ACEs.
Jody McVittie
There are several states that have federal grants to provide trauma screens to children in foster care. So it's wider than ACES alone. In NH we screen for trauma exposure, trauma symptoms and MH symptoms. It's more in depth than just the ACEs screening tool. It is Child Protection and Juvenile Justice workers who are responsible for the screening and they have training on the impact of trauma so they can talk to the youth and family about the impact, where to go for help, etc. I think anyone providing screening should be trained on how to respond as well. And having a system for what to do with the screening tools (if a score of X or higher, do you refer for MH treatment?; Who is talking to the youth about ACEs and the impact?). In our state the results are shared with the family, CASA, and MH providers (with releases). We also trained MH providers in trauma treatments so we have a system of who to refer to. And there are separate efforts in our state to train school personnel. It really takes a system level approach. I'm happy to provide further details if that's helpful.
I am a CASA.
It is very important to discuss trauma/ ACEs generally with these kids, especially the ones over 10 or 12, because we help them connect the dots of their own lives. They learn that the terrible way they feel is not a character flaw but rather the result of trauma which was not their fault. Connecting those dots is empowering and de-shaming.
I would think about the best way of helping CASAs approach the subject of ACEs in a compassionate, direct age-appropriate way. Helping them know what their child may be feeling, and what kind of support or reassurance they can give.
Maybe giving a survey IS a gentle way to bring up the topic... but so is mentioning the topic of self care, abuse, healing, trauma, ACEs, etc in a conversational way. We cant be ashamed of our kids' experiences and we model this by being frank, direct, and compassionate.
Hi Katie, December 1, 2017 Napa hosted two showings of Resilience (see attached flyer) for staff, community partners, and parents.
Over 100 people attended! All were surprised and interested in learning more about ACEs. We also conducted an anonymous ACEs survey poll - to get a sense of the participant's ACEs scores. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive - so many people said that they thought they were the only one to have experienced so many ACEs. And, they understood the importance of decreasing the risk of ACEs for their foster and adopted children.
These two events prompted so many dialogs - from folks working with adults in substance use programs, clinicians working with at-risk older adults, supporting LGBTQ youth, .... and wondering how to help local schools adopt trauma informed practices so that CASA and foster youth are supported in all settings.
Thank you for asking these important questions!
Karen
