Protecting against the harms of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can be traumatic, but the harms associated with ACEs are not inevitable. Protective factors are positive experiences, resources and assets that can
buffer children and families against the harmful effects of ACEs and trauma They are also associated with improved health and well-being and are valuable for all people throughout life.
This brief describes:
- Protective factors that help children and families build resilience at the community, interpersonal and individual levels
- Analysis of Ohio protective factors data
- Policy options to foster and strengthen protective factors and reduce risk factors at all levels
3 key findings for policymakers
- Protective factors, especially the presence of an adult who makes a child feel safe and protected, buffer against the harms caused by ACEs and trauma.
- Adverse community environments and conditions can undermine parents’ and caregivers’ ability to provide a protective family environment.
- There is a wide variety of actions state and local policymakers can take to foster and strengthen protective factors among Ohio children and families.
Ohio ACEs Impact project
Led by the Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) and informed by a multi-sector advisory group, the 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.
Support for this project was provided by the Harmony Project, the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association and HPIO’s core funders.
By:
Becky Carroll, MPA
Lexi Chirakos, PhD
June Postalakis, BS
Published On
October 8, 2024