IL SR0099

Declares May 15, 2019 as Trauma-Informed Awareness Day in Illinois to highlight the impact of trauma and importance of prevention and community resilience.

Calls on Illinois state legislators to incorporate principles of early childhood brain development, toxic stress, early adversity, and buffering relationships into policy decisions.

Urges state officers, agencies, and employees of Illinois (including the Governor's Office, State Board of Education, Department of Human Services, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Public Health, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Department of Corrections) to become informed about adverse childhood experiences and trauma-informed care practices.

Emphasizes that approximately 60% of non-institutionalized Illinois adults experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), with 14.2% reporting four or more ACEs, and notes individuals with six or more ACEs live an average of 20 years less than those with zero ACEs.

Promotes trauma-informed care as a culture-change process that recognizes strengths and resiliency to help people who experienced trauma overcome adverse effects and lead healthy lives.