Screening children and adolescents for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
In recent years, increased attention has been given to screening children and adolescents for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). ACEs include growing up in homes involving violence, abuse, neglect, mental health or substance abuse issues, parental separation, or incarceration. Researchers have found that ACEs negatively impact mental and physical health in adulthood and can limit life opportunities (CDC, 2020). Through screening, social workers can identify these experiences in a child’s life and then consider methods to prevent or mitigate the negative effects. Some screening tools have even been expanded to include related life events that contribute to toxic stress, in order to get a broader picture of a child’s experiences.
For example, if a child screens positive for exposure to violence at home they may be referred for play therapy where they can process their experiences in an emotionally safe environment (Roush et al., 2019). Finally, ACE screenings allow social workers to provide education on trauma-informed care - emphasizing safety in interactions with children affected by trauma - which is important both within service providers and also in school systems where staff need information on how best serve students who have experienced trauma (Kirmayer et al., 2018).
Overall, screening for adverse childhood experiences is an important intervention tool used by social workers. It provides insight into a child’s life which informs tailored service provision as well as decreases potential negative outcomes associated with those experiences. Education about trauma-informed care further increases understanding of how best work with children impacted by adversity. Therefore screeners should continue considering implementation strategies around ACE screenings in order increase access among vulnerable families as this will improve quality of life outcomes from early childhood through adulthood .
References
CDC (2020). Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Overview: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/acestudy/overview_ace_study.html
Camel K & Brothers-Davis M (2020). Trauma Informed Care: What Social Workers Need To Know About Screening Clients For Exposure To Trauma And Supporting Recovery Processes: The New Social Worker Online Magazine [online], 25(1), pp 6–8..Retrieved from http://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/clinical-practice/trauma-informed-care/.
Kirmayer LJ et al.(2018). Narratives Of Resilience: Reflections On Healing Trajectories Among Indigenous Peoples And Communities Affected By Historical Trauma: Transcultural Psychiatry 55(5): 573–590 doi 10 1177 020802261 7079141725704813
Roush S et al.(2019). Evidence‐Based Interventions For Children Exposed To Domestic Violence : A Systematic Review Of Meta‐Analyses Published From 1994 Through 2018: Research On Social Work Practice 29(2): 181–197 doi 10 1177 1049731519827735