FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. is hosting a free, virtual forum on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 12:05 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

This forum will delve into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which are preventable traumatic events in children, utero through age 17 that significantly impact their sense of safety, security, and connectedness and their physical and emotional development over time. These children are at higher risk of mental illness, substance abuse and chronic health issues which compromise their well-being and ability to lead a full and productive life. Women and adults with ethnic and racial backgrounds are at higher risk of ACEs and of having children who are also impacted, leading to generational cycles of child trauma.

Panelists will focus on children prenatally and up to age three, a critical period of child development significantly impacted by ACEs. Discussion will follow on what is currently being done to address child trauma and the gaps, potential policy solutions, and what communities can do to help break the cycle of child trauma for the most vulnerable among us; infants who cannot speak or care for themselves.

Panelists include:
Teresa Hardgrave, MD, Emeritus Assoc. Professor SUNY Upstate Department of Psychology
Anne Napper, Executive Director, Child Care Solutions, Inc.
Monica Dilone, MSW, Public Health Social Worker, Onondaga County Health Department

To attend the virtual event participants register online and submit their questions at the time of registration. At the forum, attendees are also welcome to ask questions. To join the event, please register at focussyracuse.org or use the link provided. Those interested can register at focussyracuse.org.