What is Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)?

Adverse Childhood Experience includes physical or emotional neglect or abuse, living with someone with a drug, alcohol or serious mental health problem, and other traumatic events from ages 0-17.

Illinois Statistics & Lasting Impacts of ACE

Proactive Approach

There is a lack of proactive prioritization of children's welfare in various aspects of society. Individuals, influential leaders, organizations, and other members of the society need to proactively and consistently prioritize the welfare of children in their actions, decisions, and daily interactions.

Unity for Children is here push for a shift towards a more proactive, conscious, and continuous commitment to safeguarding children. Failing to prioritize children's welfare is costly and, in some cases, irreversible, highlighting the urgency of taking proactive measures to address this social issue especially when Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at play in their lives.

Our Model

The successful implementation of our model is envisioned to bring about transformative and sustainable changes in prioritizing and safeguarding children's well-being. These long-term outcomes reflect a profound shift in societal attitudes, policies, and practices, aiming to create a lasting impact on the lives of children, generation after generation:

Comprehensive Policy Reforms: Implementation of comprehensive policy reforms that embed children's well-being as a central focus in various sectors including but not limited to court system, healthcare, and education.
Cultural and Behavioral Change: A shift in cultural norms and behaviors that consistently prioritize and support children's well-being.
Institutionalization of Best Practices: Integration of best practices for children's well-being into institutions and organizations.
Sustainable Community Engagement: Sustainable community involvement and support for ongoing initiatives promoting children's well-being.
Measurable Improvements in Well-being Indicators: Measurable improvements in key indicators related to children's well-being.
Enhanced Mental Health Support Systems: Robust and accessible mental health support systems for children and families.
Public Awareness and Advocacy Sustainment: Sustained public awareness and advocacy efforts for children's well-being.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Establishment of a culture of continuous learning and adaptation in the pursuit of children's well-being.
Increased Investments in Children's Well-being: Increased investments from public and private sectors in initiatives that promote children's well-being.
International Recognition and Collaboration: Recognition at the international level for successful efforts in prioritizing children's well-being.

These long-term outcomes collectively contribute to creating a society where children's well-being is not only prioritized but ingrained in the fabric of communities, institutions, and policies. The envisioned results reflect a sustained commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for the holistic development and protection of children over time.

Prevention of ACE could reduce chronic health conditions: