Incorporating ACE Scores into a focus group

There are some creative uses of the questionnaire here in Maine. One is to adapt the questionnaire to list the ACEs, then have respondents note how many of the experiences they've had. It may not be relevant to the conversation that you or the group know which ones, but knowing the number can be a way to frame conversation. As well, psychologist Mark Rains includes an additional question: how many of them still bother you? Because for some people, it is the ACEs that are unresolved that are problematic for them. Other ACEs may have been dealt with either through the person's internal process, or through life changes, or through counseling.

Ultimately, being thoughtful about how much information is necessary to collect in order to make the point about the impact of ACEs. Others use an accompanying strengths questionnaire as a compliment to ACEs, for participants to see their own strengths and supports.

All of this information could be used as a way for the moms to reflect on their experiences and think about resilience building for their children.

Hi, Michelle -- Crittenton is using the ACE score with its teen moms. You might contact Jeannette Pai-Espinosa to find out who would be a good person to contact. 

-- J.