Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Case for Funding Primary Prevention

March 26, 2021

States and territories can reduce adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) through evidence-based primary prevention strategies designed to reduce risk factors. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the health disparities and gaps in ACEs prevention. This brief overviews maltreatment prevention programs that mitigate ACEs while offering a positive return on investment. Highlighted strategies include building parent management skills, improving parent-child relationships, and increasing child health and development knowledge. State and territorial health agencies should review these programs to address and prevent ACEs during and after the pandemic.

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