Trauma is both more common and more damaging than society recognizes. This is a conclusion of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study that is the centerpiece of this conference. Brain science shows that childhood trauma affects the architecture of the brain, temporarily or permanently, yielding negative outcomes across the lifespan and across life domains. Public service populations have prevalence rates of trauma of between 85 to 100 percent, with average rates in some settings (psychiatric inpatient units, prisons) at the higher end of the range. Yet, studies also show that survivors are often very resilient, creating their own healing strategies and/or seeking assistance from professionals and other survivors. Many trauma-specific interventions have been developed for specific settings over the past two decades. This two-day conference lays the foundation for organizations to embark on, or continue, their journey toward trauma-informed care.

Wednesday: Making a Difference: Trauma-Informed Care in Social Services, Health and Educational Settings Presentation of findings of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, and illumination on how trauma impacts brain growth and development. The conference brings together community leaders to highlight interventions that are working in the community and how these may be applied in social services, health services, and educational environments.
Featured: Rita Landgraf, Secretary, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Kevin Huckshorn, RN, MSN, CADC, Director, DHSS' Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Valerie Edwards, Ph.D., ACE Study Manager, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Jacki McKinney, MSW, Consumer Advocate and founding member, National People of Color Consumer/Survivor Network Thursday: Making a Difference: Trauma-Informed Care in Criminal Justice Settings Presents findings of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study and illuminates how traumatized people can become caught up in the criminal justice system. This conference brings together community leaders to highlight interventions that are working in the community and how these may be applied in criminal justice settings.
Featured: Carl Danberg, Commissioner, Delaware Department of Correction Kevin Huckshorn, RN, MSN, CADC, Director, DHSS' Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Valerie Edwards, Ph.D., ACE Study Manager, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Honorable Michael L. Howard, Stark County, Ohio, Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, and Chair, Stark County Traumatized Child Task Force