ACES - Adverse Childhood Experiences (Trauma) Impact of Trauma on Child Development
Early childhood experiences have lasting, measurable consequences later in life; therefore, fostering emotional well-being from the earliest stages of life helps build a foundation for overall health and well-being.National Prevention Council, National Prevention Strategy, 2011.
From results of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, we have learned that traumatic events and experiences that occur early in life have an impact on the health and social-emotional well-being throughout the lifespan. Examples of traumatic events include physical and sexual abuse, neglect, loss of a parent/caregiver due to death, abandonment, incarceration or divorce, and exposure to violence and substance use.
A program, organization, or system that is trauma-informed:
Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery;
Seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.
Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and
Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected please contact the Department of Health & Human Services’ Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect immediately at 855-444-3911. Click here for information on potential signs of abuse or neglect.
Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center The Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) is a community-based program that serves children through 17 years of age, providing comprehensive treatment to suspected child victims of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, or other forms of psychological trauma. The Kids-TALK CAC utilizes a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to coordinate the investigation, assessment, treatment and prevention of child abuse in Wayne County. Services provided to children and their non-offending family members include forensic interviewing, advocacy, onsite medical evaluations, mental health services and outreach and prevention services.