Capacity

Recommendations: a. Buffers: b. Therapeutic Agents:

Build the capacity throughout systems to provide a continuum of buffering relationships and resources to prevent and mitigate the effects of ACEs in Palm Beach County.

Trained to become ACEs aware and trauma aware through a minimum 4-hour training A buffer understands the importance of a safe, stable, nurturing relationship and the effect of un-buffered toxic stress on the developing brain.

Who could be a buffer? Depending on the age of the child, buffers can be peers, out of school staff, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, faith-based staff, extra-curricular staff, school or childcare worker administrators, co-workers, nurses, neighbors, etc.

Demonstrated trauma-responsive approach acquired with skill based competency training model, demonstrated safe stable nurturing relationship with consistent age appropriate interaction.

Who could be a therapeutic agent?

Any of the buffering roles or relationships mentioned above including teachers Peer mentor training models can also create therapeutic agents depending on the training model and agency or systemic support for the peer mentor (local peer mentor programs for targeted demographics include homelessness, substance abuse recovery, and post-incarceration re-entry programs) c. Trauma-Informed Therapists: Qualified to implement evidence based therapeutic treatments and interventions that can help build adult and child capacities to recover and heal from trauma

Who are trauma-informed therapists?

Education, licensed, trained, and trauma experienced clinical therapist, ideally with specialized focus in target population demographic by age and/or subject matter.