Source: CDC
The images of immigrant children separate from their parents at the border and warehoused in detention facilities is distressing on so many levels. One of the most gut-wrenching is that strong evidence documents that these children will suffer emotional and physical harm that will stay with them into adulthood. But parental separation is not the only source of what is called toxic stress in childhood. For example, homelessness, financial insecurity, family violence, or sexual violation can be considered “Adverse Childhood Experiences“, or ACEs. ACEs are associated with risky behaviors, chronic illness, early death, and what’s called “low life potential”. There is growing recognition that reducing these events for children from birth to 5 years old can have a considerable impact on their short- and long-term health.
I interviewed Elizabeth Marigliano, RN, MSN, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and Adjunct Clinical Faculty at the State University of NY Delhi School of Nursing, about ACEs on HealthCetera in the Catskills. You can listen to the interview here:
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