In The News: Model is Promising Solution for Childhood Trauma

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report in November of 2019 that demonstrated the nationwide impact childhood trauma could have on a person’s health as they become adults. This builds upon the landmark CDC and Kaiser Permanente report in the late 1990s, showing that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have a long-lasting negative impact on a person’s overall health and well-being as they enter adulthood.

The report highlighted just how difficult it could be for children growing up with toxic stress. They may have difficulty forming healthy and stable relationships, finding stable work and may struggle with finances, family, jobs and depression throughout life. Importantly, the effects can be passed on to their own children.

Our model is a promising solution to both preventing and mitigating the negative impact of childhood trauma because we intervene early (as early as age 4), we are relationship-based, and we build trust, consistent and long-term relationships with our youth and their families.

Below are opinion pieces on the topic that were authored by Friends of the Children network leaders in response to the report:

• Chronicle of Social Change: “Mentoring Presents a Real Opportunity in Addressing Childhood Trauma” by Friends of the Children–Los Angeles Executive Director Thomas Lee and Friends of the Children–SF Bay Area Executive Director Michael Rugen
• Eugene Register-Guard: “Guest View: Supporting children with ACEs” by Friends of the Children National Director of Research and Strategic Impact Susan Walsh
• Portland Tribune: “Letter to the Editor: Explore options regarding childhood trauma” by Friends of the Children–Portland Chief Program Director Rachel Pearl

To learn more about why the CDC highlighted mentoring as a critical strategy for preventing and mitigating ACEs, read the press release, fact sheet, JAMA Viewpoint and Leveraging Best Practices report.