What are ACEs?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are events in childhood that disrupt brain development and can lead to social-emotional and cognitive adaptations that can then lead to risk factors for major causes of disease, disability, social problems, and even early death. ACEs are common across all socio-economic and culture/ethnicity lines.

Some examples of ACE-Attributable Problems are:

  • Alcoholism and alcohol abuse
  • Depression
  • Drug abuse
  • Intimate Partner Violence
  • Mental Health Problems
  • Violence
  • Sexual Behavior Problems

Main Positive Deviance Themes:

  1. REFILLING MY WELL
    • Acts of self-regulation
      • Mindfulness, breath work, journaling, creativity.
  2. LOVE THEM TO LIFE
    • Acts of love and non-judgement
      • Restorative practices, community building, developing norms, healthy communication.
  3. I SEE YOU. I AM HERE.
    • Acts of engagement, patience and high expectations
      • Include young people in decision making, engage young people in community events and programs, encourage solution and problem solving techniques.
  4. IMAGINING WHAT THEY COULD BE
    • Acts of reimagining self, employment, development and pursuit of interests
      • Providing young people with job opportunities, connection youth with programs that help them meet a greater goal.
  5. IT TAKES A VILLAGE
    • Acts of linking resources and engaging families and whole communities
      • Be aware of resources available within a community, help bridge a gab between families in need and those resources.
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