If you work with children, you’ve probably come across the terms ACEs, short for Adverse Childhood Experiences. What are ACEs? Here is a definition from the Centers for Disease Control:
Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0–17 years). For example:
- experiencing violence, abuse or neglect
- witnessing violence in the home or community
- having a family member attempt or die by suicide
Also included are aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability and bonding, such as growing up in a household with:
- substance misuse
- mental health problems
- instability due to parental separation or household members being incarcerated
ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness and substance misuse in adulthood. ACEs can also negatively impact education and job opportunities. However, ACEs can be prevented.
Librarians are seeing more books (and other materials) addressing ACEs. In addition to the important work of preventing ACEs, it is vital to help children who have already experienced adverse experiences to also have good experiences and relationships and to cope with adverse experiences in healthy ways.
The library has lists that can help you find materials on:
- Abuse and domestic violence
- Divorce
- Imprisonment
- Mental health and mindfulness
- Substance use disorder
- Suicide or attempted suicide of a loved one
We are also getting new materials all the time! Today I found out we have this CD:
I’m Gonna Find a Way: Songs for Coping with the Effects of ACEs featuring the music of David Kisore
We can help you find any of these materials—and if you need something else, let us know! We will do our best to help you find what you need.