ACES 360
  • ACEs in Iowa
    • 2020 Iowa ACEs Report
    • What are ACEs
    • What contributes to ACEs
    • Outcomes from ACEs
    • Opportunities to Respond
    • Research and resources
    • Change the Outcome
  • Advocacy
  • How to respond
    • Pandemic Response
    • ACEs Training >
      • Education Trainers
    • Education
    • Health Care >
      • Pediatric Trauma Informed Guide
    • Prenatal Care
    • Faith
    • Individuals and Families
    • Additional Resources
    • Technical Assistance
  • Connect
    • Join the Coalition
    • Iowans Thrive Blog
    • Upcoming Events
    • Stories
  • About Us
    • Our approach
    • Our story
    • Coalition Partners
    • Media
    • Contact us
  • Donate
Our state’s greatest resource is our people — and our state’s policies can either block or unlock the full potential of our neighbors and community members. The Iowa ACEs Coalition advocates for policies that build the well-being of children and the adults in their lives together, resulting in a stronger structure for both generations. Below are identified areas we're focused on improving. 

2021 Legislative Agenda

The Iowa ACEs Policy Coalition is advocating for changes in these six areas. Click on each some of the topic area to delve deeper with a policy brief: 
  • Advance trauma-informed, equitable systems
  • Enhance supportive learning environment in Iowa's education system
  • ​Continue development of a comprehensive children's mental health system
  • Improve the health and well-being of Iowa's kids
  • Increase prenatal and maternal health community support to address disparities
  • Advance a trauma-informed child welfare system​
View our 2021 Legislative Priorities

Regional Conversations

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In November 2020, Iowa ACEs 360 partnered with local coalitions addressing childhood trauma and leading health and human services organizations to hold virtual regional advocacy engagement events. These interactive discussions engaged leaders with updated data on Iowa ACEs and the framework for understanding what can contribute to ACEs. Participants then identified opportunities for systems changes that would support Iowans.

These conversations were about elevating the voice of Iowa communities to influence collective advocacy, so our systems promote prevention of ACEs and healing for Iowans. Below are summaries of each of these conversations. Thank you to the individuals and groups who partnered with us to host these sessions. 
​
Central Iowa
Northern Iowa
Pottawattamie County
Quad Cities
Southwestern Iowa
Wapello County

The National Trauma Campaign

Join this nationwide grassroots campaign to engage congressional offices and other federal leaders in supporting policies, programs, legislation, and appropriations that prevent and respond to childhood trauma and build resilience.
Get involved

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Rep. Joel Fry, Sen. Liz Mathis, Rep. Bob Kressig, and Rep. Michael Bergan spoke at the Iowa Resiliency Summit in August.

Additional Resources

This section includes resources which could be used by individuals, groups or entire communities to inform political leaders, legislators, and the legislative process around issues related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress.

  • ACEs Connection, Iowa ACEs Action group
  • Iowa ACEs issue brief
  • ACE Response policy examples
  • Letter from Kathleen Sibelius: Helping victims of childhood trauma heal and recover
  • Overview of state and federal legislation
  • Vermont’s attempt to pass ACEs bill
  • California legislature resolution to reduce ACEs
  • Massachusetts bill on trauma-informed schools​
  • The Parenting Gap: justification for policy that wraps around and supports parents
  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network and Public Policy
  • National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health -- Creating trauma-informed services
  • North Carolina’s 2,000 Days Campaign: Making the case for investing early in children’s lives
  • Prevent Child Abuse America -- Making the case: Why prevention matters 
Connect with us
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Iowa ACEs Report

Media 
About us

Iowa ACEs 360
P.O. Box 8301
​Des Moines, IA 50301 ​
  • ACEs in Iowa
    • 2020 Iowa ACEs Report
    • What are ACEs
    • What contributes to ACEs
    • Outcomes from ACEs
    • Opportunities to Respond
    • Research and resources
    • Change the Outcome
  • Advocacy
  • How to respond
    • Pandemic Response
    • ACEs Training >
      • Education Trainers
    • Education
    • Health Care >
      • Pediatric Trauma Informed Guide
    • Prenatal Care
    • Faith
    • Individuals and Families
    • Additional Resources
    • Technical Assistance
  • Connect
    • Join the Coalition
    • Iowans Thrive Blog
    • Upcoming Events
    • Stories
  • About Us
    • Our approach
    • Our story
    • Coalition Partners
    • Media
    • Contact us
  • Donate