Public Health in Foster Care: ACEs and Resilience

The foster care system is composed of many different fields. Social work and psychology commonly lend a hand in frontline work of child welfare. Another field that helps children and families in this population is public health. Public health plays a big role in addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences; known as ACEs.

Here at Skookum, we directly interact with ACEs. ACEs are the most powerful determinant of the public’s health, and they have been hidden from view until very recently. Advanced studies in neuroscience and epigenetics have informed us that ACEs are actually a very common public health problem in the United States (ACE Interface, 2018). When we fail to treat ACEs as a public health issue we find teenagers and adults who struggle with self regulation, substance abuse, relationships, financial stability, and even chronic health problems. The repeated occurrence of ACEs can persist for generations to come. The best known way to combat ACEs is by building resilience. We do this through education, prevention, nurturing, and common understanding of what contributes to the problems.

Parents and children that are entangled in foster care are coming to the table scared and vulnerable. The choice that Skookum Volunteers and Staff make to stay at the table with these families is the key to building resilience. Volunteers, foster parents, and staff have the ability to change the outcomes for these families by offering protective factors through community and support systems.

At Skookum, this looks like a soft landing for kids when they enter foster care, foster parent licensing and support, and visitation that supports family reunification. This results in a community of people that are caring not only for the children, but the whole family unit.

It is exciting to see the ways foster care and policy are changing to improve the child welfare system as society learns more about ACEs and resilience. Skookum continues to explore creative ways to advocate for children and families through foster care reform. I would like to extend a big thank you for your continued support in these efforts. Your dedication and commitment are vital to the health and future of our children here in Washington.

Written by Tiffini Hawkins, Central WA staff

References

ACE Interface. (2018). Understanding N.E.A.R.