When a child experiences strong, frequent and/or prolonged adversity, such as physical or emotional abuse, chronic neglect, caregiver substance abuse or mental illness, exposure to violence, or the accumulated burdens of family economic hardship without adequate adult support, the high level of stress hormones can, when unchecked, lead to dramatically higher rates of psychological and physical conditions over time. This is toxic stress and is continual or long-lasting. In California, providers are collaborating with the ACEs Aware initiative to screen and treat children and adults with histories of trauma.
Brighter Beginnings is proud to support and be involved in this first-in-the-nation statewide effort to screen children and adults for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). As a screening provider, we have partnered with The Office of the California Surgeon General to help identify children at highest risk for the health effects of toxic stress. Once identified, we are working with these families on building resiliency and getting them mental health support, if needed. The overall goal is to reduce the effects of ACEs by half in one generation.
The ACEs Aware initiative is built on the consensus of scientific evidence demonstrating that early detection and evidence-based intervention improves outcomes.
If you believe you or another adult/child you know has or is experiencing toxic stress, please contact Brighter Beginnings to schedule an ACEs screening today.