Research has consistently found that justice-involved children have childhoods disproportionally characterised by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood and can include, for example: physical abuse and/or neglect, emotional abuse and/or neglect, sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence, parental separation or loss, substance misuse within the family, mental illness within the family, or having a family member in prison.
While not everyone who experiences ACEs has a negative outcome, ACEs have been shown to have lasting negative effects on health, well-being, and opportunity. ACEs have also been found to be strongly associated with a range of problematic behaviours including aggression and violence.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
