Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

In a recent article in The Imprint, Karen de Sá and Nadra Nittle reviewed arguments for and against universal pediatric screening for adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, in California. They noted that California Surgeon General Nadine Burke Harris, who has led the push for this plan, recognizes the serious concerns of critics but does not hear alternative proposals from them that might achieve her important goal of reducing toxic stress among children.

California is rolling out widespread screening for adverse childhood experiences. Critics question the science, and the consequences, behind that plan.

California advocates and policymakers are guardedly hopeful that the new governor will walk the walk when it comes to responding to child trauma and mental health challenges for children in the state.

Soon after being appointed California’s first-ever surgeon general, Nadine Burke Harris took off on a barnstorming tour across the state to talk about adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress, an issue she calls “the biggest public health crisis facing California today.”

Legislators, caregivers and the media increasingly recognize that childhood adversity poses risks to individual health and well-being. The original Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study has helped raise public awareness about this critical public health issue.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) named pediatrician Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, a pioneer in the study of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), as the state’s first surgeon general on Monday. Burke Harris is the founder of the San Francisco-based clinic Center for Youth Wellness, serving as its CEO for the past six years.

Living in fear. Terrified no one will come, yet terrified someone will. No relief, just fear and dread. No sense of control and a profound sense of isolation. This can be the experience of a person with a traumatic story.

Anyé Young remembers the first time she went to Dave and Buster’s without her dad. The arcade was where Young and her father forged many happy memories together, a special place that Young considered “our thing.”

As expected, Gavin Newsom (D) was elected as governor of California on a Tuesday night by a relatively large margin over Republican candidate John Cox. Many in the advocacy community are now waiting to see what his election will mean for children’s issues in the state, including the child welfare field.