Haley McCracken will discuss positive and adverse childhood experiences at a workshop March 7 at the Franklin branch of the Sussex County Library. (Photo provided)
The Franklin branch of the Sussex County Library will host a Connections Matter workshop facilitated by Project Self-Sufficiency at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 7.
The session will address issues of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
The workshop is free and open to the public. The Franklin branch is at 103 Main St., Franklin.
Participants will explore the Connections Matter curriculum, a program funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and led by Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey.
It is designed to engage providers, parents and community members in building caring connections to improve resiliency. Discussion will focus on understanding ACEs and demonstrating how caring connections can serve as a primary buffer in the negative effects of trauma.
The training is appropriate for parents and providers raising and teaching school-age children.
Speakers will address the impact of ACEs on social, emotional and cognitive development and offer tips and strategies for building resiliency.
ACEs are widely recognized as falling into three distinct categories: abuse, neglect and household dysfunction. Examples of negative behavior said to result from ACEs include smoking, alcoholism, drug use, absenteeism and lack of physical activity.
These behaviors can cause a cascade of physical and mental health problems, from diabetes to cancer to suicidal thoughts. It is estimated that about two-thirds of the population has experienced at least one ACE.
Project Self-Sufficiency aims to bring together professionals, providers and parents who are committed to increasing awareness of the impact of childhood trauma on juvenile development, future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity.
“Our goal is to help make our community a place in which every child can thrive by providing education and training on adverse childhood experiences and assuring safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments,” said Deborah Berry-Toon, Project Self-Sufficiency’s executive director.