By Ellen Galinsky, Brookings Institute, October 23, 2019 The focus on “toxic stress,” ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and trauma-informed care have been game-changers in the field of early childhood development. They have helped us recognize the symptoms of trauma, provide appropriate assistance to children, and understand that prolonged adversity in the absence of nurturing relationships can derail a child’s healthy development. Just look at the media’s and the public’s reaction to...

The leading cause of death for infants age 1 month to 1 year is Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUIDs). This includes sleep related deaths and SIDS. Here are some facts you can share to make sure the parents you know have the information and resources that can help them make the best parenting decisions when it comes to safe sleep: Babies should always sleep on their backs Babies should be in their own crib, not an adult bed, couch, or car seat Babies should not sleep with others Use firm...

By Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, October 2019 When it comes to advancing health equity, good ideas have no borders. Like in the United States, countries around the world are grappling with how to make sure everyone in their communities has a fair and just opportunity to live the healthiest life possible. Advancing health equity is emerging as a top priority for European nations, across the Americas, and in other countries like Singapore, Australia, and South Africa. [ Please click here to...

By Kids Count Data Center, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, September 27, 2019 In 2018, 13 million children in the United States — 18% of all kids — were living in poverty, and for the first time since 2014, the percentage did not decrease compared to the previous year. This is discouraging news; all children should have the economic security that provides them the opportunity to thrive. However, the share of children in poverty remains significantly lower than its recent peak of 23%, seen in...

By Angeline Spain, Angela Sander, and Amanda Brown, Chapin Hall at The University of Chicago, October 2019 Healthcare in the U.S. is increasingly moving “upstream” to address the risk of social determinants of health. One common strategy is the early screening of needs and connection to services. Chapin Hall, in collaboration with national and local partners, is conducting an evaluation of innovations designed to promote screening for contributors to toxic stress during pediatric well-child...

By Claudia Boyd-Barrett, California Health Report, October 15, 2019 Nearly 1.2 million California children live in low-income neighborhoods, a number that has decreased in the decade since the Great Recession, but remains troubling, researchers said in a new report. Research has shown that the type of neighborhood low-income children live in can influence their health. Children who live in low-income neighborhoods are less likely than those in more affluent areas to have access to quality...

An ACEs Connection webinar co-sponsored with 4 CA In 2017, California became the first state in the country to pass a law supporting universal screening for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the 5.3 million children in the state’s Medicaid program. As clinicians around California await the state’s announcement of what this new policy will entail, many are wondering what it takes to integrate ACEs science in a pediatric practice. Meet Drs. Deirdre Bernard-Pearl, R.J. Gillespie and...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Violence Prevention released a new technical package for preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Leveraging the Best Available Evidence is available online now from the CDC’s website.

Poverty and Opportunity in California Tuesday, October 15, 2019 12:05 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. PT Register Here: https://www.ppic.org/news-and-events/events/webcast-registration/ About the program Despite strong economic growth, California continues to experience high rates of poverty. Backed by strong fiscal reserves, state policymakers have taken several steps to assist struggling families, but the goal of reducing poverty remains elusive. In this conversation, PPIC will share the latest data...

Community of Practice Webinar Series October's Topic: Homicide Prevention – Part II Primary Prevention Efforts to Decrease Homicide Rates in CA Thursday, October 17, 2019 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (PST) Please join us for the next VPI Community of Practice webinar on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (PST) to learn more about the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Program, administered by the Board of State and Community Corrections, and the first public...

Kidsdata.org provides a tool for assessing community needs, setting priorities, tracking progress, preparing grant proposals, and making program and policy decisions. Users easily can find and customize more than 500 data measures of child health and well-being, sorted by topic, region, or demographic group. Data are available for every county, city, school district, and legislative district in California, and many measures include national comparisons. Kidsdata.org has compiled a...

Domestic violence often occurs alongside child abuse and neglect, therefore its prevention is also critical for child abuse prevention. Studies show: 30 to 60 percent of children from homes where domestic abuse is present are also victims of abuse themselves Parents who are stressed and burdened by being victimized are also at increased risk of neglectful or abusive parenting Witnessing domestic violence can cause serious harm to psychological, cognitive, social, behavioral and emotional...