Stacey Gagnon, RN
Director of Trauma Lens Care (TLC)
Yavapai County (Arizona) Community Health Department & MatForce
The number of Arizona children with two or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is significantly higher than in the U.S. as a whole. In Arizona, children ages 12 to 17, 44.4% have experienced two or more ACEs, compared to the national average of 30.5%. It is estimated that nearly 70,000 Arizona children have more than five ACEs.
Trauma Lens Care (TLC) understands that ACEs can undermine a child’s ability to learn, form relationships, and function appropriately in a classroom. TLC was created to support children exposed to trauma and violence by bridging communication between first responders, schools, and child care agencies. Hurting children are identified early and this is communicated quickly to those who can have the greatest impact for healing.
TLC supports educators with training on trauma-informed classrooms. A trauma-informed classroom identifies children from “hard places” and implements an environment and relationships that will help build a sense of safety and regulation.
Research has demonstrated a strong correlation between ACEs, substance use disorders, and behavioral problems. TLC takes this research into the prison system in an attempt to give hope to inmates who are suffering the consequences of their ACEs. This program aims to lower recidivism rates and generational abuse.