Research is increasingly recognizing that childhood events, specifically abuse and trauma, have profound and enduring effects on the neuroregulatory systems mediating medical illness as well as on behavior from childhood into adult life. Our understanding of the connection between trauma in childhood and the pathways to pathology in adulthood is still being formed as neuroscientists begin to describe the changes that take place on the molecular level as a result of events that occurred decades earlier. In this webinar, we will discuss the prevalence of ACES, examine signs of childhood abuse & neglect, and review the implementation of prevention through the identification of risk & protective factors.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define Core Concepts (fast facts) of ACEs
- Identify & assess the signs/symptoms of ACES
- Determine & address/support risk and protective factors
- Identify & implement prevention strategies
- Implement learning through Case Study Discussion regarding signs/symptoms of abuse/neglect and interventions.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: The Origin and Core Concepts of ACES
- CDC-Kaiser Permanente ACE Study background
- Definition: potentially traumatic childhood events (0-17 years)
- Early research involving over 17,000 participants
- Relationship between ACEs and lifelong physical, mental, and behavioral outcomes
Objective #2: Types of Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Abuse: physical, emotional, sexual
- Neglect: physical and emotional
- Household dysfunction: domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, parental separation
Objective #3: The Lasting Impact of ACES on Health and Development
- Toxic stress response and neurodevelopmental disruption
- Chronic health problems: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer
- Mental health issues: anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse
- Educational and occupational consequences
Objective #4: Neurobiological and Epigenetic Effects of ACES
- Constant cortisol activation impacting brain structures
- Impairments in emotional regulation, executive functioning, memory, and learning
- Epigenetic changes potentially transmitted across generations
Objective #5: Identifying and Assessing Signs and Symptoms of ACES
- Behavioral indicators in children and adolescents
- Physical signs such as bruises and injuries inconsistent with developmental capabilities
- Emotional abuse indicators: fear, self-esteem issues, relationship struggles
- Caregiver behaviors: detachment, inappropriate discipline, unrealistic expectations
Objective #6: The Role of Domestic Violence in ACES
- Increased risk of abuse and psychological trauma in households with domestic violence
- PTSD symptoms in children exposed to domestic violence
- Emotional burden and potential for intergenerational transmission of trauma
Objective #7: Risk Factors That Increase Vulnerability to ACES
- Family caregiving challenges and unresolved caregiver trauma
- Poverty, limited education, and economic stress
- Inconsistent supervision and lack of social support
- Parental conflict, corporal punishment, and normalization of violence
Objective #8: Protective Factors That Mitigate ACES Impact
- Stable, nurturing relationships within the family
- Positive peer networks and supportive adult mentors
- Consistent parental monitoring, supervision, and peaceful conflict resolution
- Community support: economic stability, safe housing, accessible healthcare, strong neighborhood ties
Objective #9: Prevention Strategies and Community Interventions
- Strengthening economic support and family-friendly policies
- Public awareness and legislative actions to reduce violence
- Parenting education, early intervention, and positive child engagement programs
- Community partnerships addressing long-term and systemic factors
Case Study Application and Discussion
- Review of ACES case study scenarios
- Practical application of assessment, intervention, and prevention strategies
- Collaborative discussion to reinforce concepts and skills
Social workers completing this course receive 2 General Skill Building asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 General Skill Building continuing education training.
Instructor: Shannon McCabe, MA, LCAS, CCS, CCJP, CPS
Recording Date: 11/22/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs General continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com