Resources

Learn more about how the philanthropic sector can advance trauma-informed practice by applying trauma-informed principles to their grantmaking, leveraging relationships, and fostering collaboration across sectors. Read two volumes of Trauma-Informed Philanthropy as well as a companion infographic.

Since the landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences study was published in 1998, researchers around the world have sought to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which trauma can impact health and wellbeing. In less than two decades, the scientific community has come to understand significantly more about how experiences can shape one's development and effect them throughout the lifecourse.  Here are three straightforward articles that provide the background on ACEs:

• Your Brain and Body - mechanisms by which adverse childhood experiences influence health and well-being through the lifespan
• By The Numbers - the surprising information revealed by the ACE Survey
• The Language of ACEs - vocabulary guide about the language of science that wsa developed to describe the impact of ACEs, trauma and what is called by some, "toxic stress"

What can you do for yourself regarding ACEs? Self-care is any voluntary activity that can help you maintain your physical, mental, and emotional health. While self-care will not erase the impact of ACEs and trauma, it can help to build resilience and promote positive emotions and behaviors. Here are resources you can try, with notes on how they help. You may already be doing some of these! Share this with a friend and spread the word.

Growing up in a supportive, loving environment is important for brain development in children. Families play an integral role in preventing ACEs and building resilience in children. Learn more about what families can do to prevent and also to manage when faced with overwhelming stress.

Trauma does not only impact individuals. Whole communities can experience trauma. But by builing supportive environments through protective factors that provide resources for community members and encouraging strong relationships, communities can prevent trauma and build resilience as well. Communities across the country are moving toward becoming trauma-informed. The resources below highlight many of these communities and can act as a roadmap for your city and community.

Professionals across sectors - health care, law, criminal justice, education, and others - can be more effective with in-depth knowledge about ACEs, trauma, and reslience. These resources are in process or have been developed by members of the Philadelphia ACE Task Force to help professionals working with children, families, and communities gain the skills they need to become trauma-informed.