ACEs & Trauma-Informed Care is an in-depth training designed to increase awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the neurobiological and social impacts of trauma, and the importance of applying trauma-informed principles in peer support and human services. The training explores how early adversity can impact lifelong health, mental well-being, and behavioral outcomes, and emphasizes culturally responsive, strengths-based approaches to care. Participants will learn about trauma-informed frameworks, implicit bias, resilience-building, and strategies for preventing retraumatization. Through real-world examples, practical tools, and interactive reflection, attendees will enhance their ability to promote safety, trust, and empowerment in service settings and within themselves.

Learning Objectives

• Define Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and explain their impact on health, development, behavior, and substance use.

• Describe the short- and long-term effects of trauma across emotional, physical, cognitive, behavioral, and existential domains.

• Understand the principles of trauma-informed care and how to apply them in peer and community-based settings.

• Identify protective and resilience-building factors that support recovery and healing.

• Examine how culture, identity, and lived experience influence trauma responses and healing processes.

• Apply strategies to promote emotional safety, prevent re-traumatization, and reduce the impact of implicit bias in care settings.

• Support the eight dimensions of wellness for both clients and peer workers.

• Develop self-care and burnout prevention practices to sustain trauma-informed, compassionate support.