Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are defined as potentially traumatic experiences that occur during a child’s first 18 years of life (Source: Public Health Ontario). ACEs are traditionally classified under three broad categories: physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. However, researchers have also been exploring the idea of expanded ACES to include bullying, community violence, neighborhood safety, racism, and living in foster care. When ACEs are considered alongside the social determinants of health, it is evident that childhood trauma has a direct link with cyclical outcomes such as chronic disease, poor mental health, incarceration, and employment challenges, impacting the individual and future generations. It is crucial for social service and health care providers, educators, elected officials, parents and community members to understand how there is a shared responsibility, and opportunity, to promote positive childhood experiences that support healthy development, positive mental health, and resilience.

In this session we will hear from scholars and experts about why understanding ACEs are important for service system planning, building a sense of belonging, and community well-being. We will also hear specifically how Black and Indigenous youth are impacted by ACEs and how we can focus on supporting the mental health and wellness of marginalized and racialized youth in our CSWB plans.

Areas of Focus: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES); Social Determinants of Health; Racialized and Marginalized Youth.