Trauma-Informed

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are neglectful, abusive, or harmful situations caused by one’s family or the environment during childhood.

When children experience traumatic events, it can have lasting effects on their mental health and wellbeing and can have profound effects on community health. Studies show that 26% of adults have experienced at least one ACE, while 1 in 8 adults have experienced 4 of more adverse childhood experiences. This trauma increases the likelihood of developing chronic diseases.

ACE Interface instructors from across Virginia are working together to raise awareness through education and to connect people to helpful resources in an effort to reduce adverse childhood experiences and ultimately improve the overall health and wellbeing of our communities.

Northwestern CSB provides support and participates with Triumph Over Trauma: Northern Shenandoah Valley Resiliency Initiative, which works to build a healthy, resilient community aimed at reducing the effect of trauma on children, youth, adults, and families by providing educational resources and training to individuals and organizations to support trauma-informed care initiatives across the human services system.

They also provide education and resources to people who have experienced trauma to foster a community where all people feel safe, connected, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Virginia’s Trauma-Informed Community Networks (VA TICNs) are a coalition of cross-sector networks focused on building resilience and preventing and mitigating the impact of trauma in their communities and creating a more trauma-informed and resilient culture in Virginia.

As we are out and about in the community, we weave regulation and coping skills activities into our trainings, tabling events, and presentations. We provide a variety of fidgets and calming techniques that individuals can carry with them and use when they are stressed or upset.