ACEs Aware
A state-wide program recognizing the impact of traumatic childhood experiences, creating a network of care professionals who cooperate in providing the support and care needed to address and alleviate trauma and its effects.
What are ACEs?
Our Mission
We encourage couples to alert other professionals responsible for their children's care regarding divorce situations, such as teachers, doctors, and therapists. Making those professionals aware of the trauma at the earliest opportunity increases the likelihood of minimizing the effects on children.
Groundbreaking Research
In the 1970s, Kaiser Permanente and the CDC partnered to survey over 17,000 people from different backgrounds (socio-economic/racial) asking them if they experienced these events growing up. This landmark study revealed the profound connection between childhood trauma and adult health outcomes.
Many of these adverse experiences are directly associated with divorce and family separation, making this research particularly relevant for families going through these challenging times.
Long-term Impact
These traumas impact the mental and physical well-being of children throughout their lives.The effects can include increased risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, chronic diseases, and even shortened lifespan.
Those with fewer financial means have less access to resources needed to deal with both the stressors they are experiencing and fewer resources to navigate the legal system itself.
Virtually all family members in a divorce process are in the midst of an ACE experience.
Important: We have all seen children who have declined throughout a divorce due to these experiences. They return to court with parents pointing fingers at one another regarding their children's educational or behavioral decline. Early intervention and professional awareness can help prevent these outcomes.
Get Help & Resources
Access tools and support to address childhood trauma