Evaluating an ACEs-targeting Advocate Model of a Substance Use Prevention Program in 36 New Jersey Communities Experiencing Disproportionate Burden of Substance Use and ACEs Webinar Material

Early exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), (e.g., parental substance use) increases the likelihood of future substance use and drug overdose, resulting in an intergenerational cycle of substance-related ACEs. Research suggests that decreasing the prevalence and impact of ACEs and substance use requires addressing both family- and community-level factors in tandem. However, a critical gap exists within the evidence base regarding interventions that effectively integrate the two factors to prevent substance use and ACEs. RTI International and its partners, the New Jersey Prevention Network and RWJBarnabas Health, are evaluating an intervention that integrates the evidence-based Strengthening Families Program with clinically trained, trauma-informed advocates who will assist families in accessing community resources.

Learning objectives:

• Examined the collaborative processes the study team used to co-design an evaluation of a novel, prevention-based intervention to mitigate the harms of ACEs exposure
• Prevent future ACEs while aiming to prevent substance use and overdose

Presenters:

• Dallas J. Elgin, PhD
• Phillip Graham, PhD