Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) shape many lives and are major predictors of future socio-economic standing, health outcomes, and life expectancy. Examples of ACEs include abuse, violence, parent/caregiver mental health problems, instability caused by the incarceration of a family member, and substances abuse disorders.
According to the CDC,
roughly 61% of adults surveyed across 25 states had experienced at least one kind of ACE before turning eighteen.
Unfortunately, communities of color are more likely to experience ACEs through systemic issues of discrimination and racism. As a result, BIPOC communities are more likely to experience the negative impacts of ACEs throughout their adult lives, adding additional barriers to finding stability.
