Project Overview
Adolescents who have experienced multiple ACEs are more prone to reporting a range of mental health symptoms, suicidal tendencies, engagement in violent behavior, and substance use (Meeker et al., 2021). This is of particular importance for Alachua County since the rate of hospitalizations from non-fatal self-harm injuries in adolescents aged 12-18 years in 2022 was 140.8 compared to the state rate of Florida at 71 (Florida Health Charts, 2022).
The project proposal aims to address the urgent need for interventions to support adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the southwest area of Gainesville, Florida. It plans to enroll 50 adolescents aged 13-18 in art therapy workshops facilitated by SWAG staff and a local artist, targeting individuals who self-report one or more ACEs. The program will also involve parents through educational workshops.
Trauma-Informed Principles, Levels of Intervention, and Program Framework
Utilizing trauma-informed principles, the grant will prioritize Safety, Trustworthiness and Transparency, and Peer Support (SAMHSA, 2014). Safety will be ensured by providing a physically and emotionally secure environment for participants (SAMHSA, 2014). Trustworthiness and Transparency will be upheld through honest communication about program objectives and procedures (SAMHSA, 2014). Peer Support will be fostered by encouraging participant involvement in peer support activities (SAMHSA, 2014).
The project operates at multiple levels of the Social Ecological Model. At the individual level, it provides tailored support and resources for adolescents to address trauma and enhance well-being (McLeroy et al., 1988). At the interpersonal level, it strengthens social support networks and positive relationships through art therapy and parental involvement (McLeroy et al., 1988).. At the institutional level, the program promotes trauma-informed practices within SWAG and the community (McLeroy et al., 1988).
Aligned with the public health framework, the project employs primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies. It offers parental workshops for primary prevention, identifies at-risk adolescents through screening for secondary prevention, and provides access to behavioral health services for tertiary prevention. By integrating trauma-informed principles and addressing ACEs across multiple levels, the program aims to improve mental health outcomes and promote resilience among adolescents in the Gainesville community.
References:
Florida Health Charts. (2022). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Dashboard—Florida Health CHARTS - Florida Department of Health | CHARTS. https://www.flhealthcharts.gov...aviewer&bid=0156
McLeroy, K. R., Bibeau, D., Steckler, A., & Glanz, K. (1988). An ecological perspective on health promotion programs. Health Education Quarterly, 15(4), 351-377.
Meeker, E. C., O’Connor, B. C., Kelly, L. M., Hodgeman, D. D., Scheel-Jones, A. H., & Berbary, C. (2021). The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Adolescent Health Risk Indicators in a Community Sample. Psychological Trauma : Theory, Research, Practice and Policy, 13(3), 302–312. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001004
SAMHSA. (2014, July). SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. https://store.samhsa.gov/produ...-approach/sma14-4884
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