We all have a role to play.
That was an important theme in the keynote message New Jersey Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer delivered Thursday to kick off NJ Spotlight News’ virtual roundtable on ACES, or adverse childhood experiences.
Studies show 40% of New Jersey children have experienced traumas or other adverse experiences — like abuse, poverty, divorce and death — that can have long-term, even generational, impact on their health and well-being.
Beyer outlined the development of the state’s new ACES action plan, unveiled in February, but stressed government alone can’t make it a success. “The solution can’t come from within child welfare alone. ACES can have an impact on every facet of a person’s economic well-being, long-term health, social connections, housing, likelihood for substance use and more,” she said.