Developed in the 1990s through a landmark study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire is a tool used by healthcare, mental health, and social work professionals to assess how ten childhood stressors, such as abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, and childhood exposure to household dysfunctions, influence long-term health and social outcomes (e.g., mental illness, illicit drug use, suicide risk, PTSD, and risk for chronic diseases). This simple but impactful screening tool has become a cornerstone of trauma-informed care, Partnership’s specialty.
For the staff of HOPE Initiative, Partnership’s year-round program for youth impacted by trauma due to violence, ACE scores are an important tool for recognizing the degree to which participants are at risk.
According to Michelle Howard, HOPE Initiative program manager, “Studies show that children with an ACE score of two or higher are likely to perpetuate abuse either by becoming a perpetrator or victim. Our kids average 6.”
“Kids with high scores are likely to have difficulties forming healthy relationships or maintaining stable employment as adults and may engage in risky behaviors. But these outcomes can be mitigated with the right interpersonal experiences,” Howard adds.
The interpersonal experiences Howard talks about are called Positive Childhood Experiences (PCE). Studies show the more supportive experiences children have with family, friends, and people in their community, the less likely they are to have psychological or relational trouble in adulthood.
“Children who experience trauma need a place to heal. This is the basis of HOPE Initiative,” adds Howard. Expected outcomes for the program include better physical health and interpersonal connections and protection from risky behavior, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, violence, substance abuse, and adolescent pregnancy.
“Our kids know they are having a good time with mentors who truly care. We know they are becoming healthier, happy kids who can finally hope for a better future.”
