Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Investments in Adverse Childhood Experience Prevention Efforts

Lifelong health and well-being are rooted in developmental experiences faced during childhood.1 Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are preventable, potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (age 0–17 years) such as witnessing or experiencing violence, experiencing neglect, or having a family member attempt or die by suicide. Exposure to ACEs is linked to negative outcomes later in life, including chronic disease; mental health and substance use problems; and even lower education attainment, fewer job opportunities, and decreased earning potential.