Strategic Prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (SPACE) Study
The Strategic Prevention of Adverse Childhood Experiences (SPACE) Study is an interdisciplinary research project designed to reduce injuries and violence among children and families by preventing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). There is strong empirical evidence linking ACEs to an increased risk of developing chronic physical and mental health problems, and behavioral health issues such as injuries and violence. Despite numerous studies suggesting that ACEs are one of the top preventable risk factors for chronic disease and premature death, there is a paucity of empirically-based knowledge on successful ACEs prevention strategies. Using the ACEs Prevention Strategies recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC), the SPACE Study is a multi-level intervention study designed to prevent ACEs and promote child well-being and family self-sufficiency. Collaborating with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the goal of this project is to address ACEs and related behavioral health issues among children and families by providing evidence-based interventions and integrated community referrals. While the rewards of ACEs prevention can be great, progress in the field is hampered by a lack of cross-sector collaboration and a scarcity of preventive intervention studies designed to identify prevention targets that focus on family resilience. Findings from this project offer guidance to identify a blueprint for ACEs prevention and health promotion in Virginia. We envision that the SPACE Study will increase attention to ACEs as a public health crisis, decrease the prevalence of ACEs, and support local health departments in preventing ACEs and addressing ACEs-related health.
Funding Partners: Virginia Department of Health (VDH); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
PI: Sunny Shin, Ph.D.