HI SR57

Encourages five state agencies (Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Department of the Attorney General, and Judiciary) to incorporate research and strategies on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) into their work with traumatized children.

Defines adverse childhood experiences as abuse, neglect, and traumatic events during childhood including physical/sexual/emotional abuse, domestic violence, parental incarceration, loss of loved ones, and acts of terrorism that damage developing brains.

Cites CDC-Kaiser Permanente study findings that two-thirds of study participants experienced at least one ACE, and ACEs are linked to behavioral problems, substance abuse, mental health issues, poor academic performance, and increased disease risk.

Recognizes that ACEs create intergenerational cycles of violence and trauma, affect entire systems beyond individual victims, and require community partnerships and resilience-building support to overcome.

Requires the Department of the Attorney General to submit a report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2018 Regular Session detailing each agency's plans to address ACEs in their work with children suffering from trauma.