Communities can discover ways to help kids get past trauma

Published 1:30 am Saturday, October 15, 2016

We don’t like to dwell on painful experiences, especially violence, abuse, divorce, mental illness, substance abuse or homelessness.

And we particularly don’t like to think about these traumas when a child is involved.

Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, can cause health problems later in life. Long-term exposure to complex trauma and toxic stress can increase the risk for chronic pulmonary and heart disease, mental illness, lung cancer, substance use and even suicide.

Children who have been traumatized are often considered problematic or “deviant.” Frequently, they lash out in anger, the emotion most easily accessed by a developing brain. In reality, these children and youth are simply sad, hurt and frustrated.

The targets of this anger, particularly adult figures of authority, should know these responses are signs of being needed.

In Snohomish County, we see unhealthy levels of school expulsions, detentions, absenteeism and suicide. We must do more to stem the rising tide of despair, dysfunction and pain.

Over the past decade, progress has been made in understanding the roots of health, resilience and well-being — and the role families, communities and school systems can play in helping youngsters with ACEs.

Children with ACEs can learn healthy ways to deal with difficult situations if they are provided safe environments and supportive relationships and positive interactions with caring adults.

For many children, school is seen as a positive place filled with significant people. When schools are prepared to respond to children who have endured trauma, they can counter adverse experiences and improve academic success for all students.

In Snohomish County, over 35 agencies have formed the Children’s Wellness Coalition to help youth across our region build resiliency and flourish.

How can you help heal the wounds of childhood trauma?

Learn about ACEs from the experts. The Snohomish Health District and Snohomish County Human Services, together with the Children’s Wellness Coalition, will present a free screening of the documentary “Paper Tigers” on Nov. 1.

“Paper Tigers” is an intimate look at a year in the life of students at Lincoln High School in Walla Walla. The film examines the concept of trauma-informed communities and highlights Lincoln High’s efforts to work with struggling teens.

In just one year of trauma-informed practice, the suspension rate at Lincoln decreased by 75 percent and the graduation rate increased five-fold.

The screening will at be Everett Historic Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave. in Everett, and is designed to help educators, community members and local leaders reframe thinking about youth struggling with ACEs.

A meet-and-greet session will begin 5 p.m. followed by the film at 6 p.m. Jim Sporleder, former principal of Lincoln High School and a national expert on traumatized youth, will lead a panel discussion after ward, and a variety of resources and information will be available.

The following day, the Children’s Wellness Coalition will host an invitation-only conference for experts, educators, and others to delve more deeply into strategies for reducing the impact of trauma and toxic stress on children and youth.