Before coronavirus hit, nearly half of American children experienced a traumatic event before the age of 18. Experts worry the global pandemic will drastically increase that number. Rappahannock Area Community Services Board will host free, virtual trainings to explain the impacts of childhood trauma and explore ways to mitigate those impacts.
Scientists have been studying Adverse Childhood Experiences (also known as ACEs) for years, and the research shows that children who live in toxic environments grow into adults who struggle with substance use disorder, mental illness, suicidal tendencies and other health issues.
Doctors, social workers and psychologists expect the number of children experiencing ACEs to skyrocket during the pandemic. During the previous two years, countless families have faced altered routines, financial worries, and sickness and death.
Covid-19 also exacerbates other traumatic situations for children, including domestic violence, abuse and neglect. Pediatricians across the country worry that these stressors will increase the risk of serious health, social and emotional issues.
But those outcomes could be prevented. One stable and caring relationship can mitigate the impacts of trauma. So, RACSB offers the ACE Interface Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Self-Healing Communities sessions to help the public learn more about the effects of ACEs and the ways to build individual and community resilience.
Understanding ACEs will show the importance of being a positive influence and teach ways to help people respond to and overcome troubling experiences.
Click on the link to register for one of these upcoming training sessions: