AAPCA1 & ACEs Aware
ACEs Aware May Initiative: Strengthening Families with Trauma-Informed Care

The ACEs Screening tool and initiative to address childhood trauma is a small step in a long history of pediatric research and programs on understanding how children thrive, and how we can support them. 

This month, we look at the importance of acknowledging that we already have what we need to make a change, by strengthening our families from a resiliency and trauma-informed approach.
Pediatric Perspectives: Trauma-Informed Care
Our Unique View: We Already Have What We Need to Make a Change

By Diane Dooley MD,MHS, FAAP and Renee Wachtel MD, FAAP
Pediatricians are a resilient group. With changes in populations and pediatric infirmities over time, we have continuously adapted our routines to optimally serve children and families. It’s not easy to change practice, but often critically important that we do so. Years ago, pediatricians complained bitterly when they were asked to add H. Influenzae vaccine to the original DPT/OPV regimen, even though they regularly witnessed H. influenzae infections. BMI calculations were seen as an unnecessary burden until we realized the extraordinarily high rates of obesity in our clinic populations. Similarly, many of us are reluctant to empathetically ask families about their traumas and stresses, for fear that we won’t know what to say when those traumas are revealed, and we’ll never get to the car seat questions we intended to ask during the visit.

The sequelae from COVID-19 (especially isolation and stress) and the ACEs Aware initiative have convinced many of us that we need to adopt changes to our practice, and implement trauma-informed practices including ACEs screening. In a recent JAMA Network Open article, Tali Raviv et. al summarized the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as reported by a racially diverse population of over 32,000 caregivers of Chicago school children and families. Widespread increases in mental health concerns and decreases in well-being and positive coping skills were reported for children in all grades. Examples included an increase in reported anger from 4.2% to 23.9% and an increase in depressive symptoms from 3.4% to 14%. If we use the science of the impact of trauma on children, we recognize that these symptoms reflect basic brain science- the children and teens are reacting to perceived threats with behavioral adaptations expressing fear, trauma and a lack of the sense of safety. So how do we adapt our practices to address this?
Free Upcoming Events
Chapter Chat on Strengthening Families with Trauma-Informed Care

June 9, 2021 l 7-8:30 PM
Webinar Recap: Family Experiences During COVID-19 Pandemic Data Webinar
The Essentials for Childhood Initiative held a webinar in April sharing California and national data on family experiences during the COVID pandemic, including changes in family life, and the adaptability and resilience of families during this stressful time.  

The webinar recording and further information on the survey can be found here.

New AAP Policy “Interim Guidance on Supporting the Emotional and Behavioral Health Needs of Children, Adolescents and Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic” can be found here.
Protective Factors & ACEs: Meeting Families with Hope and Healing

May 24, 2021 l 6 PM-7:30 PM
Parental and Provider Resources for ACEs
Child Tax Credit
Educate your families about the Child Tax Credit, which will be providing low-income families that file a tax return with money to support their children, even if they do not owe taxes. Starting in July, eligible families will receive up to $300 a month for every child aged 0-5 years and $250 a month for every child aged 6-17 years living in their household. Eligible families include joint filers making up to $150,000 and single head of households making up to $112,500.
Social Media Graphic
Below is a copy of our latest ACEs infographic, also available on all of our social media channels.
We look forward to communicating future ACEs initiatives with you and your practice! For more information on the ACEs initiative, visit our website here or contact projectcoordinator@aapca1.org.
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The AAPCA1's ability to advocate on behalf of children is only as strong as the support we receive from our members. Encourage your colleagues to join today by visiting the AAPCA1 website.

Our mission is to promote the optimal health and development of children and
adolescents of Northern California in partnership with their families and communities, and to support the pediatricians who care for them.


President: Raelene Walker • Vice President: Nelson Branco
Secretary: Janice Kim • Treasurer: Nivedita More • Past President: John Takayama
Executive Director: Isra Uz-Zaman

California Chapter 1, American Academy of Pediatrics | www.aapca1.org | info@aapca1.org| 916-274-4173