What are ACEs?
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic events that occur during childhood. These experiences can include various forms of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Examples of ACEs include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, physical or emotional neglect, witnessing domestic violence, parental separation, substance misuse within the household, and having a family member with mental illness or imprisoned.
Impacts on young people
The impact of ACEs on young people can be profound and long-lasting. The Early Intervention Foundation states that in the UK, around 50% of adults have experienced at least one ACE, and approximately 9% have experienced four or more.
The UK Trauma Council and BMJ journals suggest that for children in foster care, the prevalence of ACEs is even higher and that these experiences can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including:
- Mental Health Issues: Children with high ‘ACE scores’ are at a greater risk of developing mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Behavioural Challenges: ACEs can result in behavioural issues, including difficulties in school, higher rates of non-attendance at school, and engagement in risky behaviours.
- Health Outcomes: Long-term health issues that may include an increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and substance abuse disorders.
- Educational Attainment: ACEs can negatively affect academic performance, making it harder for children to succeed in school and complete their education.
The NHS also confirms that experiencing childhood adversity is correlated with a higher risk of young people experiencing certain problems in later life. They state that ‘individuals with four or more ACEs are significantly more likely to suffer from low mental well-being and engage in health-harming behaviours such as smoking and substance misuse’.
How our foster families help
Foster families play a crucial role in supporting children who have experienced ACEs. Here are some of the ways our foster parents help young people.
- Safe and nurturing home: Consistency and stability are vital for children who have experieced trauma. A nurturing home can help them feel secure and begin to heal.
- Trauma-informed care: Understanding the impact of trauma and responding with empathy and support can make a huge difference. This includes being patient, offering reassurance, and having the time and space to work with a young person.
- Access to therapeutic support: At Hope Fostering Services, our Supervising Social Workers and Dr. Zoe Webb provide specialised therapeutic training sessions for foster parents and personalised support for young people.
Support from Hope Fostering Services
Hope Fostering Services is committed to providing comprehensive support to our foster families. Some of the guidance we offer includes:
- A comprehensive training schedule: We provide ongoing training to equip foster parents with the skills and knowledge needed to support children with ACEs (and much more).
- Foster parent Support Groups: These groups offer a space for foster parents to share experiences, seek advice, and receive emotional support.
- Foster parent reps: Our representatives advocate for foster parents and ensure their voices are heard within the agency.
- New foster parent buddying system: New foster parents are paired with experienced mentors who can offer guidance and support as they navigate their fostering journey.
We are currently recruiting a diverse range of foster parents to provide loving homes for vulnerable young people.
If you have read this article and think that you have the time and space in your heart to care for a young person, then please contact us via our website for an informal chat.
Together, we can help transform the lives of young people who have experienced ACEs.