Adverse Childhood Experiences

The information provided here is to help you gauge your need.  We encourage your to seek support from a qualified professional as needed.

Find Your Score

Understanding Your Score

ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) scores are a way to measure the level of childhood trauma a person has experienced. The ACEs study, conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente, identified 10 types of adverse experiences in childhood (before age 18), which fall into three categories:

  1. Abuse
    • Physical abuse
    • Emotional abuse
    • Sexual abuse
  2. Neglect
    • Physical neglect
    • Emotional neglect
  3. Household Dysfunction
    • Witnessing domestic violence
    • Substance abuse in the household
    • Mental illness in the household
    • Parental separation or divorce
    • Incarceration of a household member

Each “yes” answer to these 10 questions adds one point to a person’s ACE score (ranging from 0 to 10).  The “Expanded Version” includes additional questions on spiritual abuse.

A high ACE score is generally considered to be 4 or more out of the possible 10.

Why Does the ACE Score Matter?

Research shows that people with an ACE score of 4 or higher are at significantly greater risk for:

  • Physical health issues: Heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes
  • Mental health struggles: Depression, anxiety, PTSD
  • Risky behaviors: Substance abuse, smoking, unsafe relationships
  • Social challenges: Difficulty maintaining stable jobs, relationships, and emotional well-being

Important Caveats

A high ACE score is not a life sentence. Many people with high ACEs lead healthy, fulfilling lives, especially when they have protective factors like supportive relationships, faith, counseling, and resilience-building practices.  Keep the following in mind.

  • Not a diagnosis – A high ACE score doesn’t mean someone is doomed to struggle. Resilience factors, like supportive relationships, faith, and therapy, can help mitigate the impact.
  • Not all adversity is captured – The ACE study doesn’t cover every possible trauma, such as racism, bullying, or poverty.
  • Resilience matters – Protective factors (loving caregivers, community support, faith, therapy) can buffer the negative effects of ACEs.

Making A Difference

How ACEs Relate to Healing Communities

When we talk about healing communities, we’re referring to groups—such as churches, families, and support networks—that foster emotional, spiritual, and physical healing for individuals who have experienced trauma, including high ACE scores.

1. Understanding Trauma’s Impact on the Community

Since high ACE scores are linked to increased rates of mental health struggles, addiction, and chronic illness, many people in our communities, including church members and ministry families, are silently carrying these burdens. A healing community acknowledges that brokenness exists and actively works to support those who are hurting.

2. The Role of Faith & Spirituality in Healing

For many, faith is a protective factor that helps mitigate the effects of trauma. Healing communities:

  • Provide a sense of belonging and emotional support.
  • Offer hope and purpose through faith.
  • Encourage forgiveness and grace—both toward self and others.
  • Engage in prayer, counseling, and mentoring as ways to foster healing.

3. Creating Safe & Supportive Spaces

Churches and ministerial families can cultivate healing environments by:

  • Being trauma-informed – Understanding that behaviors (e.g., withdrawal, anger, distrust) might stem from past wounds.
  • Encouraging open conversations – Reducing stigma around mental health, abuse, and addiction.
  • Providing mentorship & support groups – Encouraging relationships with trusted, wise individuals who can walk alongside those in healing.

4. Breaking Generational Cycles

ACEs often pass from one generation to the next. Healing communities help break these cycles by:

  • Teaching healthy parenting skills to prevent future ACEs.
  • Encouraging emotional and spiritual healing in families.
  • Promoting accountability and restoration rather than shame and isolation.

5. Practical Steps for Ministerial Spouses & Church Leaders

  • Preach & teach on grace and healing – Show that God is a healer of brokenness.
  • Offer resources – Provide access to counseling, support groups, and mentorship programs.
  • Model healthy relationships – Show what loving, safe relationships look like.
  • Pray for and with others – Intercede for those carrying burdens and help guide them toward healing.

Healing communities recognize that trauma is real, but so is hope. By fostering love, safety, and support, faith communities can be places of restoration, helping individuals with high ACE scores find healing, resilience, and renewal through faith and fellowship.

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Adventist Recovery Ministries

Find healing from the hurts of life.  Resources available to support individuals going through trauma, addiction, grief, and suicide recovery.

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