The Georgia ACEs Connection Community is an action-based social network for sectors, communities and individuals to utilize the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) science. This science aids in building resilience and implementing trauma-informed practices and policies. All professionals, providers, and citizens concerned about sharing and learning information about this critical topic are encouraged to join the network. The Georgia ACEs Connection Community hopes to capture all of the great work being done around the state of Georgia and provide a platform to connect with each other.
What are ACEs?
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that can have negative, lasting effects on health and well-being. These experiences range from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse to parental divorce or the incarceration of a parent or guardian. Toxic stress caused by ACEs are connected with negative behavioral and health outcomes, such as obesity, alcoholism, and depression.
Toxic Stress
Preventing ACEs
Thankfully, ACEs are preventable.
This training will help you understand, recognize, and prevent ACEs. You’ll learn about risk and protective factors, outcomes associated with ACEs, and evidence-based strategies you can use to reduce or eliminate the impact of ACEs and stop them from occurring in the first place.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Data for Georgia
In 2016, over half of adult Georgians surveyed reported experiencing at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) during childhood. This information was collected from the 2016 Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (GA-BRFSS). The questionnaire covered 8 types of ACEs, 3 of which are types of child abuse and the other 5 are risk factors for child abuse.
According to the BRFSS, 16.6% of women who experienced at least one ACE were sexually abused and 6.4% of males. ACEs are linked to a variety of poor health and behavioral outcomes in adulthood. View the full summary here.
Online ACE Training
Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences, is a new online training released by the CDC to help everyone understand, recognize, and prevent ACEs. This training covers:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences, Brain Development, and Toxic Stress
- Prevalence and Consequences of ACEs
- Risk and Protective Factors for ACEs
- Essentials for Childhood: Assuring Safe, Stable, Nurturing Relationships and Environments
Learn more about how to create healthier lives for all children in this accredited training. Continuing Education Units are available.