Introduction
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are cases that affect children aged 0-17. Some of these events include emotional and physical abuse, domestic violence, loss of a parent, and divorce. Although many resources can help address this issue, it is better to prevent it. The following essay will review the information about ACEs, their past and current statistics, and some existing helpful programs in NYC.
Aspects of Adverse Childhood Experiences
There are many essential facts about adverse childhood experiences to consider. First, if left unaddressed, they may have negative outcomes on a person. Said adverse outcomes include substance abuse, having a criminal record, or passing the trauma to other children. The ACEs score has a 10-point scale; however, it is simply a fact about an individual, not a determinant of one’s fate (PBS, 2018).
Prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences
The best way to prevent this occurrence is to create a healthy foundation during the first three years of a child’s life. Having watched the six videos about ACEs, I still have some questions. How can ACEs be addressed if the parent figures are reluctant to cooperate or help their children? What can be done if a child does not want to discuss their traumatic experiences?
The US Statistics Related to Adverse Childhood Experiences
Currently, there are diverse statistics on ACEs all over the country. For example, in Tennessee, the percentage of this occurrence has increased by two percent since the videos were released (America’s Health Rankings, n.d.). However, in the US, it decreased by 0.7 percent, which is a strong contrast to the state.
New York is the healthiest state in that regard due to the multiple measures being taken in the state. Some of the programs designed to prevent ACEs include Trauma-Free NYC and the Family PEACE Trauma Treatment Center (ColumbiaDoctors Children’s Health, 2021; Trauma-Free NYC, n.d.). They can be quite helpful in addressing this concerning issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, negative childhood events significantly impact a person’s future. However, since these events do not dictate a person’s destiny, they are merely facts. Although steps may be taken to help deal with this problem, prevention is preferable. Currently, Tennessee is experiencing an increase in ACEs compared to the year when the video was released. Meanwhile, the entire country is experiencing a decrease, albeit a minor one. New York State represents the healthiest location in that regard, with the titular city having such programs as Family PEACE Trauma Treatment Center and Trauma Free NYC.
References
America’s Health Rankings. (n.d.). Explore Adverse Childhood Experiences in Tennessee. Web.
ColumbiaDoctors Children’s Health. (2021). Community pediatrics. Web.
PBS. (2018). Episode #3 – Fact not fate. Web.
Trauma-Free NYC. (n.d.). ACEs news. Web.