Tips for Tuesday: Adverse Childhood Experiences

Did you know that significant adversity in a child's life can lead to lifelong problems?  The Adverse Childhood Experience Study conducted by CDC, Emory and Kaiser Permanente illustrate the impact childhood adversity can have on adult well being.  In this study, it was discovered that any negative experiences such as abuse, neglect or exposure to other traumatic stressors can lead to higher risks of adult health problems, poor quality of life and early death.

For example, research shows that the risk factors increase with the number of adverse experiences during childhood.  The chart below depicts the percentage increase for an adult who experienced four or more adverse childhood experiences compared to those with zero negative experiences:

                                                                                      *Iowa Aces 360


So how does mentoring play a part in reducing the risk and creating protective factors for children?
Mentoring helps in a number of ways and can be vital in helping a child break the negative cycles and live a healthy and productive adult life.  Mentors provide social connections outside of the home and school and connect the child with the community around them. Mentors serve as a support system for children who may need extra guidance and encouragement navigating through young adulthood. Finally, mentors create a nurturing environment for the child to express himself freely, gain self-confidence and obtain the skills necessary to become successful adults.

To learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences visit http://www.iowaaces360.org/.

To learn more about mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa visit www.iowabigs.org or call 319-235-9397.

March Matches and April Anniversaries

Big Brothers Big Sisters would like to WELCOME the following new matches made in March:

April Hegstrom and Gabrielle


CONGRATS to the following matches reaching their anniversary during the month of April:

Two Years:
Amanda Stark and David
Cassie Upshaw and Maria

Four Years:
Katie Klein and BreAnna

Five Years:
Bob Hoffman and McKenna

Seven Years:
Howard Craven and Marquese

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Here are a few tips on how to respond if your Little or any child reports any abuse or harm they may be subject to:

• First, believe the child and make sure the child knows it.

• Thank the child for telling you and praise the child's courage.  Tell the child how brave he or she is for telling you.

• Tell the child that he or she is not at fault for what happened or may be happening.

• Encourage the child to talk but don't ask leading questions about the details as this may contaminate the child's memory of events.  Remember, who-what-where.

• Assure the child that it's your job to be sure he or she is kept safe and you'll do everything you can to make sure that happens.

• Seek out help from a professional, contact your Match Coordinator if this regards your Little or contact the authorities.