New HPIO publication details strategies to prevent adverse childhood experiences

HPIO has released a new publication, titled  “Strategies to Prevent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Ohio: Building Skills and Strengthening Connections to Caring Adults,” that details the state’s progress in implementing policies that prevent adverse childhood experiences.

“Building skills and strengthening connections to caring adults ensures that every child can thrive,” according to the brief. “Enhancing a variety of assets and resources can buffer children and families from the well-documented harmful effects of toxic stress and adversity and promote the ability to withstand, adapt and recover from trauma.”

The brief details policies that enhance skills so that parents and youth can handle stress, manage emotions and tackle everyday challenges and connect youth to caring adults and activities. The brief also highlights examples of strategy implementation in Ohio, informed by key informant interviews, and identifies strengths, gaps and recommendations for each strategy.

There are many evidence-based parent, caregiver and family skills training programs operating throughout the state. For example, in May 2022, the Triple P Online and Teen Triple P Online programs became available free-of-charge to all Ohio families, granting them access to the programs for one year upon enrollment, through a partnership between the Governor’s Children’s Initiative, Ohio Children’s Trust Fund and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. As of June 4, 2023, 10,656 Ohio parents and caregivers had enrolled in one of the programs. The graphic above shows the number of enrollees in each county.

In 2020 and 2021, HPIO released a series of policy briefs on the health and economic impacts of ACEs and elevated 12 evidence-based, cost-effective strategies (programs, policies and practices) that prevent ACEs before they happen and improve health. This brief is the second publication in a new series examining those strategies. The first brief in the series details how policymakers can ensure a strong start for children and strengthen economic supports for families.

Support for this project was provided by the Harmony Project, the Ohio Children's Hospital Association and HPIO’s other core funders.