New Jersey Children
Heal From Trauma
Actions 4 ACEs is a statewide initiative to build awareness about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the role adults can play in reducing the impact of trauma and helping children heal.
What are ACEs?
ACEs stands for adverse childhood experiences. These are stressful or traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. ACEs are common, and include events such as parental separation, experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect, or having a loved one attempt or die by suicide. Adverse community events such as poverty and discrimination can further compound the effects of ACEs.
The Cost of ACEs
A landmark study found the higher the number of ACEs, the more likely one can experience negative health effects like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, depression, anxiety and asthma.4 And the economic cost of ACEs in North America alone is estimated to be over $700 billion annually.5
You Can Make A Difference
By taking simple actions and building supportive relationships with children, you can help reduce the impact of ACEs while building children’s resiliency. Learn about professional training opportunities in our resource section.
Helping You to Help Others
Throughout New Jersey, people and organizations who care deeply about ACEs and community resilience are coming together to help prevent and reduce the effects of trauma. Learn about the various resources that are available and find out how you can get involved.
Resource
Handle With Care Directive
New Jersey’s Handle With Care Directive is designed to promote partnership between schools and law enforcement. When an officer encounters a child experiencing a traumatic event, they notify the child’s school. Sharing this information helps schools create a supportive environment for the child.
Resource
Upcoming ACEs Trainings
Join the New Jersey Office of Resilience for Building Self-Healing Communities – Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences. This free 3-hour session explains the impact of childhood trauma and its implications across the life course. The session is interactive and includes time for discussion. To learn more about upcoming dates and how to register, visit the Actions 4 ACEs events calendar.
Join the conversation #Actions4ACEs
Together We
Can Do More
Addressing ACEs takes all of us. Our invaluable partners bring awareness to this statewide issue and educate individuals working closest with children on the positive impact they can make. Visit these partner sites for more information.
NJ Resiliency Coalition Community
is an online community for people living and working in New Jersey to come together to help prevent ACEs.
NJ Office of Resilience
hosts, coordinates and facilitates statewide initiatives related to raising awareness of and creating opportunities to eradicate ACEs.