You are invited to attend a forum hosted by the Iowa ACEs Policy Coalition to discuss how to prevent childhood trauma and promote family well-being in our communities.
Candidates for Senate Districts 21 and 23 and House Districts 41, 42, and 43 in the Ankeny region have been invited to participate. Members from the Coalition will provide a brief overview of ACEs, and then candidates will have an opportunity to share their positions on issues, including how to support children’s mental health, ensure a strong workforce, and make sure Iowa is the best place to raise families.
Understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) helps leaders make decisions that create the conditions for families to thrive from the start.
Today, Iowans are facing tremendous stress and adversity. When caregivers struggle with challenges, such as affording food and housing or finding child care, their own well-being and mental health may suffer and children are more likely to grow up in environments that can lead to ACEs. Experiences like neglect, witnessing violence, or living with an adult who abuses substances are among incidents that can dramatically upset a child's sense of safety and well-being. The more ACEs a child has, the greater their risk for health, mental health, and risky behaviors into adulthood.
We can create the social and economic conditions that allow caregivers to provide the best opportunities for children to grow into healthy adults. Focusing on policy decisions that promote positive conditions for families will lessen the long-term impact of the pandemic and lead to a robust workforce, growing communities, and a better future for our kids.
The Iowa ACEs Policy Coalition is a group of more than 40 organizations across the state that raises awareness of ACEs and advocates for policies that promote healing from trauma and family well-being. Iowa ACEs 360 coordinates the Iowa ACES Policy Coalition. Learn more at www.iowaaces360.org.