90 % of brain development occurs by age 5, making this developmental period a time of tremendous risk for children exposed to trauma and toxic stress.  However, the incredibly rapid neurological development and brain plasticity during early childhood also presents the greatest opportunity to build resilience and prevent the negative social, physical health and mental health outcomes associated with ACEs. 

In addition to primary prevention resources and strategies focused on preventing the occurrence of childhood trauma and toxic stress,  this workgroup will also identify and develop secondary prevention resources and strategies for early detection and intervention as well tertiary prevention resources and strategies to improve the quality of life and mitigate the suffering of children, adults and families already impacted by ACEs.