The Waratah Education Foundation has funded a demonstration project in Grafton to test evidence and assumptions on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. 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 in jail or prison
ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness and substance misuse in adulthood. ACEs can also negatively impact education and job opportunities.
Research shows that ACEs can be prevented and services can be developed to intervene early, thereby reducing the health and social impacts of ACEs.
The Thriving Together Collective aims to improve the health outcomes of children by preventing and responding to ACEs. Thriving Together aims to provide a smart referral pathway for general practitioners and other primary care professionals.
There is an opportunity to learn more about this initiative and engage in a conversation about the design and delivery of the program.
A webinar is scheduled for Tuesday 25 August 2020 at 7pm.
