Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma

States have a vital role to play in preventing and addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and supporting efforts on crisis, mental health, and the long-term effects of trauma. The National Governors Association has supported states in their efforts on ACEs, trauma, and resiliency through multiple projects over the years. In 2020 and 2021, NGA and the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) convened a multi-state technical assistance project on statewide approaches to address ACEs with five states (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wyoming). This work culminated in the State Actions to Prevent and Mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences publication.

After the success of the ACEs Learning Collaborative, the mid-Atlantic states involved in that project formed the State Trauma and Resilience Network. This group is comprised of governors’ advisors and senior state leaders focused on addressing ACEs, trauma, and resilience in their states. In 2022, the Network expended to include several more mid-Atlantic states (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina) and recently decided to expand nationwide with the addition of Wyoming and Wisconsin, with the aim of including additional states as they become interested. The group has been meeting monthly since Fall 2021 to share experiences, ideas, and best practices peer-to-peer. Thanks to the generous support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Network was able to come together at their first in-person gathering in Washington, DC on June 30, 2022.


State Trauma and Resilience Network


NGA Resources

States are working to prevent and mitigate ACEs and trauma, and have an opportunity to advance trauma-informed care with the implementation of the 988 hotline. By Anna Heard Adverse childhood ...
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Preventing and mitigating adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress and promoting resilience are increasingly priorities for Governors. To mount an effective response to ACEs, states may consider a holistic approach ...
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California’s ACEs Aware initiative takes an innovative, evidence-based approach to addressing adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress by educating and training health care providers who are directly interacting with the ...
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As Arkansas prepares to welcome students and teachers back to school, their Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (AWARE) program keeps student and educator well-being a top priority. By Catherine ...
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The COVID-19 pandemic may be increasing Adverse Childhood Experiences and trauma and demonstrates the importance of responding to them at the state level. (View/Download) Executive Summary Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) ...
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