Online workshop to focus on effects of childhood trauma

Parents, caregivers and other community providers are invited to learn how childhood trauma affects physical and neurological development at an online workshop hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency.

Methods for improving health and well-being across the lifespan also will be discussed in the “Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Building Self-Healing Communities” workshop at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26.

The presentation will address the neurological and biological effects of adversity on development and the corresponding impact on the health of the overall population. Tips for protection, prevention and promoting resilience within the community will be discussed.

ACEs have been identified as contributors to a host of physical and neurological ailments, including heart disease, diabetes and depression. They are also known to lead to mental illness, neglect, sexual abuse and a variety of dysfunctional behaviors, such as substance abuse and domestic violence.

“Recent discoveries in neuroscience, epigenetics, epidemiology and resilience studies have helped us to understand how protection, prevention and resilience promotion can profoundly improve health,” said Deborah Berry-Toon, executive director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “The tools identified in this session can positively impact public health, safety and productivity and reduce public and private costs now and for future generations.”

The workshop is funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey.

It is free and open to the public, interested participants may call 973-940-3500 to receive log-in details.