Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

The prosperity and success of our state depends on the healthy development of children. When adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) happen, however, this healthy development is disrupted, leading to a greater risk of negative lifelong health and social consequences. You can find videos from Arizona's 5th Annual ACEs Summit here.

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Research shows that as the number of ACEs rises, risk factors for negative life outcomes increase, making children more susceptable to negative mental, behavioral, and physical health problems, including: opioid abuse, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, suicidal thoughts and criminal behavior. ACEs diminish the likelihood of success in school and the workplace. Children in foster care, and those at risk of entering foster care, are especially vulnerable to ACEs.

Preventing and reducing ACEs is critical to the success and well-being of Arizona children and we are grateful for Governor Ducey's leadership as we work to raise the standard of care and support services that we provide to Arizona's youth and families to help mitigate the impact of ACEs. Together, we can make Arizona a healthier, safer and stronger state for all!

The Arizona ACE Consortium promotes ideas, policies, and practices that reduce and prevent childhood adversity and build resilience in individuals, families and communities. ACEs can last a lifetime, but they don't have to.

Through funding from the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family, Prevent Child Abuse Arizona has partnered with the Arizona ACE Consortium to develop trauma-informed online modules to train providers on how trauma impacts the brain. The modules are designed to provide ongoing support to Arizonans to mitigate the lifelong, devastating impacts of adverse childhood experiences.

Module 1: Introduction to ACEs (English | Spanish)
Module 2: ACEs & Substance Use Disorder (SUD) (English | Spanish)
Module 3: Partnerships for Treatment & Prevention of SUD - Justice Systems (English | Spanish)
Module 4: Partnerships for Treatment & Prevention of SUD - Schools (English | Spanish)
Module 5: Partnerships for Treatment & Prevention of SUD - Faith-Based Organizations (English | Spanish)
Module 6: Partnerships for Treatment & Prevention of SUD - Direct Service Providers (English | Spanish)
Module 7: Creating Substance Use Prevention Campaigns (English | Spanish)