Preventing and Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences

Individuals and communities can prevent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their impacts on health and wellness. Learn more about ACEs prevention from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Preventing adversity before it happens

Supportive and connected families, neighborhoods, and schools can help children grow up with the stability and relationships they need for healthy adulthood.

Both individuals and communities can play a part in creating positive environments.

Strategies for individuals

As parents and caregivers, you can:

• Join programs to learn about social emotional learning, healthy relationships, parenting skills, and approaches to family relationships.
• Discuss mental health and emotions with your children.
• Check in with your children and get help if you notice signs of distress.
• Seek support from family, friends, or community groups.

Family, friends, and community members can:

• Volunteer as a mentor in an after-school program.
• Provide parents with support by babysitting, cooking meals, doing chores, or running errands.
• Encourage non-violent beliefs and behaviors.

Strategies for communities

Communities can:

• Improve access to economic and financial help, health care, and child care.
• Develop and engage in partnerships between the community, the government, private business, health care, and other organizations.
• Promote social norms that protect against violence and adversity.
• Invest in programs that support a strong start for children, such as early childhood home visitation, high quality child care, and preschool enrichment with family engagement.
• Create mentoring programs and after-school programs that allow youth to connect to caring adults.

Preventing the effects of adversity

Children and adults who have experienced adversity or trauma may need additional support and resources to address lasting impacts and live healthy lives

Both individuals and communities can play an important role in addressing ACEs.

Strategies for individuals

Individuals can:

• Pursue good, healthy relationships.
• Encourage people to ask for help when they need it.

Providers can:

• Screen children and adults for ACEs exposure and provide care to address or prevent related health outcomes.
• Provide trauma-informed care to people who have ACEs.

Strategies for communities

Communities can:

• Encourage social connection among all ages and backgrounds.
• Improve access to social services and support for people impacted by ACEs.