Foster Care Training

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are widespread, largely unrecognized, and play a decisive role in health risk behaviors, overall health, well-being, and social function. An overview of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) including definition, prevalence, measurement, risk factors, and short and long-term outcomes will be provided. We will explore stress and resilience frameworks, such as Lazarus and Folkman’s (1984) stress and coping framework and the adaptive calibration model (Eliss 2014). We will consider the biopsychosocial mechanisms (e.g. neurobiological, immune, and self-regulatory processes) by which ACEs impact development and health-relevant behaviors. We will learn about psychophysiological responses to stress, as well as the role of cognitive appraisal and coping mechanisms. Through engaging in discussion, reflection, and embodied practices, we will explore findings from social science research to consider how effective social work practice can prevent ACEs and mobilize resilience and recovery from childhood adversity. We will apply a biopsychosocial perspective to discuss key protective factors (e.g. social networks, mindsets and cultural norms, clinical interventions, spiritual resources, family-support programs, culturally-relevant parenting services, and cross-sector partnerships) that can be enhanced to promote resilience and improve overall health.