ACEs & the Juvenile Offender Part 1

Often while explaining the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), historical adversity and toxic stress on an individual’s emotions, thinking, behavior and health, law enforcement and members of the legal system assume it is being suggested that people not be held accountable for their actions.  This is not the case.  In Arizona and across the US, communities are working to understand the incidence and reduce the impact of ACEs.  ACEs are the root cause of many of society’s most pressing health problems, prosecutorial action, and expanding penal systems.  ACEs increase the risk of behaviors that lead to involvement with the juvenile and criminal justice systems, starting a cycle of events that impact people throughout their lives and affect the next generation. ACEs substantially contribute to the rising costs of health care, as well as tremendous social costs in morbidity, mortality and quality of life. We are not saying anyone should have a free pass on accountability, instead we are suggesting that there are better ways of interacting with and understanding people that become involved in the legal system.  What is needed is a way to increase adherence to law, based on personal integrity and choice, thus creating a break from the cycles of juvenile and criminal justice system involvement.  To improve public safety and protect crime victims and community well-being, we have to recognize the implications of ACEs, and adopt policies and practices that recognize and respond to trauma, while also preventing its occurrence.

What You Will Learn:

1. Explain key findings of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study and the impact of early adversity on health and well-being across the lifespan.
2. List the incidence of ACEs in Arizona children and adults.
3. Understand what science suggests is reasonable and predictable emotion, thinking and behavior likely for someone with a history of adversity.
4. Overview of how to improve outcomes for the individual regardless of disposition.

Suggested Reading:

• The Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) in the Lives of Juvenile Offenders (pages 6 – 23): https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles/246951.pdf
• A prosecutor's vision for a better justice system: TED Talk (16 min.):  http://createresiliency.org/prosecutors-vision-better-justice-system
• Juvenile Justice and Young Adult Issues:  Promoting Trauma-Informed Practices:  https://fairandjustprosecution.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FJPBrief.TraumaPractices.9.25.pdf
• Trauma and the Law: Applying Trauma-informed Practice to Legal and Judicial  Contexts: https://www.blueknot.org.au/Portals/2/Reports%20and%20Docs/Legal%20and%20Justice%20Background%20Paper%20with%20Abstract%20FINAL.pdf