(a) As used in this section, “adverse childhood experiences” or “ACEs” mean stressful or traumatic events experienced by a minor child. ACEs include, but are not limited to, a child witnessing, or being the victim of, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, parental separation or divorce, and incarceration.
Terms Used In Tennessee Code 49-1-230
Minor: means any person who has not attained eighteen (18) years of age. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
(b) The department of education shall develop an evidence-based training program on ACEs for school leaders and teachers. The training may be delivered through the trainer of trainers model under § 49-1-213, and shall include:
(1) The effects of ACEs on a child’s mental, physical, social, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive development;(2) ACEs as a risk factor for the development of substance abuse disorders and other at-risk health behaviors;(3) Trauma-informed principles and practices for classrooms; and(4) How early identification of children exposed to one (1) or more ACEs may improve educational outcomes.(c) An LEA may develop its own ACEs training program to make available to the LEA’s school personnel.
