Barnstone Art For Kid’s programs are responding to a public health crisis. Childhood trauma can have devastating impacts on a human being. Using the best information available, Barnstone Art for Kids is committed to providing an environment of safety, and participating in a community of care. We feel we are most effective when we fully integrate the information and concepts outlined below. Read on to learn more, broaden your understanding of ACEs, and how Barnstone’s work helps mitigate the risks related to trauma.
What are ACEs?
Childhood abuse, neglect, and exposure to other traumatic stressors were termed Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) in a study conducted at Kaiser Health Permanente beginning in the 1990’s. The ACE Score is used to assess the total amountof stress during childhood. This study, and others following it, demonstrated that children suffering from Adverse Childhood Experiences have statistically significant poor health outcomes later in life.These include behaviors
such as overeacting, substance abuse, smoking and lack of physical activity. Physical and mental health outcomes include severe obesity, depression, suicide, STDs, heart disease and cancer.
What is Trauma Informed?
Being trauma informed means that we realize the widespread impact of trauma, recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in our community, respond by integrating this knowledge into
our policies, procedures, and practices. Finally, we seek to avoid re-traumatization through our language and behavior.
Barnstone Art for Kids recognizes the need to provide basic understanding about trauma and its impact on children,
families, and volunteers. We model the principles of a trauma informed approach in our training program by Creating Safety, Maximizing Opportunities for Choice and Control, Fostering
Connections and Managing Emotions and Promoting Self-Reflection. These principles are essential in the work we do with children.
What is Resilience?
Resilience is the process of adapting to stress and adversity.
Some people are born with strong natural resilience, others
are not. Regardless, resilience is a process that can be learned and strengthened.
Barnstone Art for Kids developed the Power of Art to help children bounce back from difficult experiences.
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