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The Link Between Childhood Trauma & Long-term Health
The good news is children who receive the appropriate care emerge resilient and able to overcome their early experiences.
What do diabetes, heart disease, depression and a host of other illnesses have in common? They all have their roots in c
hildhood trauma--according to The ACE Study conducted by the CDC and Kaiser.This massive study and subsequent research conclude that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact the developing brain, affect long-term health and perpetuate through generations.
As the science behind this conclusion continues to evolve, anecdotally it's not so hard to understand that childhood experiences affect future behavior, health and opportunity; and that related outcomes multiply exponentially over time and through generations.
But we can prevent the negative effects of trauma from following children into adulthood. At Synergy, we work with children and teens every day who have experienced trauma capable of limiting their future--and see time and again that with appropriate care and connections with caring adults, they can overcome traumatic experiences and emerge resilient and able to lead productive and healthy lives.
Frederick Douglass eloquently summed up the value of early intervention when he said "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." It's also much more cost-effective--studies suggest that early intervention produces a return of $11 for every $1 spent by decreasing future health care, imprisonment and other social welfare costs.
Thank you for your support of Synergy's programs, which help build strong children. During this month especially, as we observe national Child Abuse Prevention month, we are grateful for those who stand with us in protecting children and helping those who experience abuse create the possibility of a brighter future.
Young children who experience trauma must first regulate the parts of their brain that signal safety and stability before the can successfully learn.
The impact of childhood trauma is one of the most pressing issues facing educators and our society, since young children who have experienced trauma often lack the foundation they need to be successful in school.
As an agency focused on helping children recover from trauma, we are excited that new funding from the Jackson County Children's Services Fund is enabling Synergy to take our knowledge and expertise into four Jackson County schools.
Working with students, educators and families, our school-based team will utilize a holistic approach that includes:
Helping teachers and students recognize, understand and address trauma to create classrooms where children can regulate their emotions and behavior in a way that is conducive to learning
Providing case management services to assist families in resolving issues and functioning in a healthy way
Providing on-site therapy and mental health services to help students process and move beyond trauma, breaking down the barriers children and families may face in accessing care
Facilitating a culture shift played out in new policies and practices school-wide that consider the underlying trauma and factors for a child's behavior and address their unique needs for learning
We are excited to be leading the way locally in creating trauma informed schools! By further strengthening the safety net for children and helping to break through behavioral obstacles to learning, we take one more step toward overcoming ACEs and creating futures full of promise rather than violence.
News & Events
Award Winning Services
What an honor to receive the Pinnacle Award from the Northland Community Foundation! We are grateful for the NCF's commitment to children and families in Clay & Platte County; and we are excited to partner in service with them!
Bedtime is often a difficult time for children who have been abused. You can help provide comfort by donating any of the following items to help the nights feel less scary for the young ones in our care.
New boys & girls summer pajamas (Size 12 months - youth 12-14)
Stuffed animal night lights
CDs of calming music for kids
Donations can be dropped off at Synergy's Children's Center (2501 NE 46th Street, KC, MO).
Join us tonight (April 24th) at Panera on NE Englewood Rd from 4pm to 8pm! A portion of proceeds from sales today will go directly to Synergy Services. Be sure to mention Synergy to the cashier when you place your order.