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Focusing on trauma: Take Devereux’s pledge to promote social/emotional health in children

In a recent 60 Minutes segment, Oprah Winfrey reported on trauma, stating that childhood trauma is a "21st century epidemic.” She hoped her interviews would spark a revolution around how Americans address its most challenging societal problems, including delinquency, addiction, explosive behaviors and other forms of violence.  

The overall message was one of hope and healing. And while appearing on CBS This Morning to promote the segment, Oprah said, "This story is so important to me, that if I could dance on the table tops right now to get people to pay attention to it, I would."  

Take our pledge to be a D.A.N.C.E.R.!

National data shows that at least 38 percent of children in every state have had at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), such as the death or incarceration of a parent, witnessing or being a victim of violence, or living with someone who has been suicidal or had a drug or alcohol problem.** 

The Devereux Center for Resilient Children (DCRC) has long understood the devastating impact of early childhood trauma and the power of trauma-informed care. DCRC’s mission is to promote social and emotional development, foster resilience and build skills for school and life success in children birth to school-age, as well as to promote the resilience of the adults who care for them. 

This month, the DCRC invites everyone to embrace our shared role in promoting healthy early childhood development by taking our online pledge to promote the resilience of all children, and to learn more about the negative impacts of childhood trauma, as well as the need for trauma-informed practices. Click here to watch a video about our pledge.

“We agree with Oprah that all Americans need to better understand this epidemic and how to begin the healing process,” said DCRC Director Susan Damico. “Everyone – whether you are a parent, family member, teacher, or community member – plays a role in helping young children become resilient and productive adolescents and adults. By taking our pledge to be a D.A.N.C.E.R., we can become more aware and supportive of the emotional and behavioral health of young children.”

Taking the pledge – which takes just two minutes! – means you will commit to doing the following: 

• Develop a shared understanding of trauma and trauma-informed care by watching and/or reading Oprah Winfrey’s 60 Minutes interview, focused on how trauma impacts childhood development.
• Advocate for organizations in your community – early childhood programs, schools, police departments, hospitals, etc. – to integrate trauma-informed practices.
• Nurture yourself. Adult wellness and child wellness are connected. Young children need the adults who take care of them to be happy and healthy to do the important work they do!
• Connect with others. Join ACEs Connection (www.acesconnection.com), which provides an online community of allies, advocates and experts in trauma-informed care.
• Enjoy and celebrate the fact that healing is possible.
• Remember that relationships are key to resilience – make sure that the children in your life feel loved, valued, heard and seen. 

“Watching the 60 Minutes piece was truly inspiring. We all play such an important role in helping young children develop into emotionally healthy adults,” noted Damico. “By taking our pledge, we hope to generate awareness and understanding of the affects of childhood trauma, and the critical importance of taking steps to build resilience in youth and the adults who care for them.” 

Learn about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

** Based on data from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, as cited in an article from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

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