ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (ACES), PARENTAL INCARCERATION, AND THE ROLE OF THERAPY IN HEALING

Introduction

ACEs are negative experiences that can affect a child and

shape their psychological, emotional, and sometimes even

physiological future. Parental incarceration is one of the

most effective but least addressed ACEs. First of all, children face several problems when one or both parents are behind bars, such as emotional problems, social isolation, and changes in family relationships. The effects of this trauma on a child's mental health may last throughout their years, but with timely intervention and treatment that takes into account the child's trauma, change and recovery is possible.

The Mental Health Impact of ACEs

According to Gjelsvik et al. (2014), the cumulative stress from parental incarceration can manifest in various ways:

• Behavioral Issues: Acting out in school or home due to unresolved anger or confusion.

• Emotional Distress: Persistent feelings of anxiety, sadness, and fear of abandonment.

• Long-term Effects: Children who experience ACEs face an elevated risk of ongoing mental health problems, including depression and PTSD, as well as substance misuse and trouble with forming healthy interpersonal bonds when no intervention happens. Therapeutic strategies need to be specific to understand and build resilience in children because parental incarceration functions differently than other ACEs.

The Healing Power of Therapy

Therapy plays a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of trauma for children with incarcerated parents. Effective approaches include:

• Individual Therapy: Individual therapy sessions can help children overcome obstacles and enhance their well-being (Holistic Therapy & Wellness, 2023).

• Family Therapy: Family therapy aims to strengthen communication and help families navigate difficult periods, significant transitions, or challenges caused by mental, behavioral, or health problems in family members (Holistic Therapy & Wellness, 2023).

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This evidence-based therapy helps children process their trauma while teaching emotional regulation skills (Spiegel et al., 2022).

• Community-Based Support: The education and community sector provide trauma-sensitive services, including mentoring peer support groups and social-emotional learning programs (Chafouleas et al.,.2016). Children develop resilience while forming meaningful connections as they receive support in these nurturing environments

A Call to Action

Extensive community action becomes essential for interrupting repeated trauma experienced by children of

incarcerated parents. Momentum toward building trauma-aware structures needs joint effort between schools, mental

health professionals, and state-level policymakers who value early detection and inclusive and sustainable solutions.

REFERENCES

Chafouleas, S. M., Johnson, A. H., Overstreet, S., & Santos, N. M. (2016). Toward a blueprint for trauma-informed service delivery in schools.

School Mental Health, 8(1), 144–162.

Gjelsvik, A., Dumont, D. M., Nunn, A., & Rosen, D. L. (2014). Adverse childhood events: Incarceration of household members and health-related

quality of life in adulthood. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 25(3), 1169–1182. https://doi.org/10.1353/hpu.2014.0112

Holistic Therapy and Wellness. (2023). Therapy | htwclinic. Htwclinic. https://www.holistictherapyandwellness.health/s-projects-side-by-side-5

Spiegel, J. A., Graziano, P. A., Arcia, E., Cox, S. K., Ayala, M., Carnero, N. A., ... & Sundari Foundation. (2022). Addressing mental health and

trauma-related needs of sheltered children and families with trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (tf-cbt). Administration and Policy

in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 49(5), 881-898.