The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | February 2021
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There is a growing awareness of ACEs and an interest from many groups and organizations – including law enforcement – in mitigating the effects of childhood adversity because research shows that it changes lives , families and communities for the better .
As a result , last month , Governor Murphy launched a statewide ACEs Action Plan , which serves as a blueprint to shepherd and to guide public / private , collaborative work across the state to prevent , abate and eliminate ACEs . The Action Plan facilitates greater cooperation and coordination across agencies and stakeholders because collectively , we can realize greater progress that we can alone .
Members of the law enforcement community – as we , in child welfare – are often first-hand witnesses to the consequences of adverse childhood experiences on families every day . It can result in abuse or neglect , domestic and sexual violence , gang and drug involvement , depression and self-harm . These are incidences and events that can disrupt families , create trouble in neighborhoods , require police attention and involvement .
That ’ s why the ACEs Action Plan builds an all-of-state-approach to this work , because the effects of ACEs , on all systems – law enforcement , child protection , healthcare , education – impacts all of us .
Adversity is seen and felt across the entire socioeconomic spectrum . It is not a rural , suburban or urban problem ; it ’ s not a Black , Latinx or a white problem . It ’ s not rich or poor . It ’ s a societal problem that can be resolved with awareness , trauma-informed and healing-centered practices .
We know that positive relationships , therapeutic and affirming experiences can help people with ACEs heal and can mean the difference between overcoming adversity or being overcome by it . Sometimes , just one caring , nurturing and safe relationship with an adult can be all that a child needs to build up their stores of resilience and avoid the long-term effects of ACEs .
People are all so much more than their past – or even present – traumas . The more positive experiences they ’ re exposed to can neutralize the impact , build resilience and help to heal .
With our long-standing partners in law enforcement , we can better nurture those safe relationships for a child or family in need . Join us in this life-changing work and learn more about how we can begin to heal New Jersey ’ s children and families – together .
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