The trust that many families feel for their child's doctor makes the primary care setting an essential place to screen for ACEs and begin the conversation with caregivers about potential risks to their child's health and well-being.

Their experience has shown that when risk is identified and assessed early on, there is a better chance of offering interventions that prevent long-term health and behavioral problems.

Screening for ACEs is also an opportunity to educate families about the link between adversity and negative health outcomes and to make appropriate referrals for prevention and treatment.