Released July 21, 2023
New analysis from HPIO has found that in 2021, 88% of Ohio adults reported that all or most of the time during their childhood, they had an adult in their household who made them feel safe and protected (as illustrated in the graphic above). The data will be included in an HPIO policy brief, the second in a series on strategies to prevent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in Ohio, that is expected to be released in August.
Nurturing and responsive caregivers — and a safe, stable family environment in which basic needs are met — give children a strong foundation. These are powerful protective factors that can decrease substance misuse, mental health problems and violent and risky behaviors in adolescence and later in life. Also, research has shown that having at least one nurturing, stable caregiver can mitigate the negative effects of ACEs.
HPIO has created a recap of its December 2022 forum titled “Preventing ACEs in Ohio: Ensuring a strong start for children and strengthening economic supports for families.”
For several years, HPIO has led the Ohio ACEs Impact project, which is informed by a multi-sector advisory group and includes a number of policy briefs, fact sheets and a resource page to build on and amplify current efforts to address ACEs in Ohio.