Highland Council hosts virtual seminar to further understand and address adverse childhood experiences
The Highland Council, on 6 November, hosted a virtual seminar entitled ‘Breaking the Cycle: Understanding and Responding to Adverse Childhood Experiences’.
The event – which had a number of guest speakers and specialists from Highland Council, Scottish Government and partner organisations – aimed to raise awareness of the impact of adverse childhood experiences on children and families, in the early years but also on teenagers and into adulthood.
In recognition of the intergenerational effects of adverse childhood experiences, this event was titled ‘Breaking the Cycle’ and aimed to ask Elected Members and Partners to consider what steps could be taken across both children and adult services, and within our communities to provide the most effective support for those affected by childhood trauma.
The event was delivered by the Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Committee and was led by Councillor Linda Munro and Councillor Nicola Sinclair. It was also supported by the Highland Child Protection Committee.
Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee Chair, Cllr Linda Munro, said: “Trauma can have a significant impact on outcomes for children and adults if we are unable to offset this through delivery of services and within our communities. One of the key ways in which we can address the impact of these experiences is by ensuring that children have access to loving and supportive adults.”
She continued: “Our aim is to develop whole family approaches to service delivery, including strengths-based work with families so that we can start to mitigate the impact of trauma and break the cycle of adverse childhood experiences. We will also work to develop our services in consultation with children and families to ensure they are fit for purpose and help children have the best possible start in life.”
Cllr Nicola Sinclair, Vice Chair to the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, added: “Highland Council is an ACE-Aware Council and this event aims to build on existing knowledge to determine a plan for the way ahead to ensure staff, organisations and wider communities are both trauma informed and embed these approaches across our services. Additionally, an element which sits at the core of our response is to remove the stigma for children and families affected by drugs and alcohol, mental health issues and/or involved in the criminal justice system by understanding their childhood experiences and adapting the way we deliver our services.”
Speakers participating in the seminar included James Docherty from the Violence Reduction Unit, Sara Dodds (Adviser on Adverse Childhood Experiences) from the Scottish Government, and Sharon Glen, National Trauma Training Programme Policy Lead.
By having support from elected members for trauma-informed services, it is hoped that Highland is likely to effect change going forward. The Child Protection Committee welcomes this commitment.
ENDS