Graphic of the week: Teen social connections and ACEs

The Health Policy Institute of Ohio’s recently released policy brief “Protecting against the harms of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)” found that while ACEs can be traumatic, the harms associated with them are not inevitable.
 
One potential protective factor against ACEs is supportive relationships outside of the family, such as neighbors, mentors and peers. 

As illustrated above, students with four or more ACEs were less likely to report having a trusted adult or friend to talk to compared to students with no ACEs. Research has shown similar results elsewhere, demonstrating that children with the greatest risk of ACEs often have the least access to mitigating factors.
 
Since 2020, HPIO has analyzed ACEs and what Ohio can do to address them. Informed by a  multi-sector advisory group, HPIO’s  Ohio ACEs Impact Project  includes a series of policy briefs and an online resource page to build on and amplify current efforts to address ACEs in Ohio.

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, HPIO will host a webinar to explore factors that can protect against ACEs and their harms. For more information and to register, visit www.hpio.net/events.