Understanding rural social networks addressing ACEs

Today, I look at another study of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). Lawlor, Puma, Powers, Martinez, Varda & Leiferman (2024) published “Understanding Rural Social Networks Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences: A case study of the San Luis Valley” in Families, Systems, & Health. Here are the edited abstract and impact statements:

The purpose of this study is to assess a cross-sector, interorganizational network addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in a rural Colorado community. We characterize the organizations in the network, assess their awareness of ACEs, and evaluate how they participate in the network. We also assess the network health. Employing a social network analysis approach, we collected survey data from 45 organizations that support young children and their families, including nonprofits, health care clinics, and early childhood education centers, among others. On average, nonprofit organizations had relationships with a greater percentage of network members than other types of organizations. Network members engaged in relationships focused on a wide range of activities (e.g., client assessments, sharing information, providing services), with some organizational types leading the network in certain activities. Scores across all dimensions of trust and value were above 3 (range: 2.1–3.8), which is advantageous for a network and network relationships existed across a range of relational intensities (from awareness to organizational integration). Nonprofit organizations that reported high levels of connectedness in the network were able to effectively mobilize the ACEs network. Health clinics participated in a greater share of relationships involving assessment, service provision, and tool sharing than other types of organizations. As such, health care clinics may serve as leaders in directly serving children and families experiencing ACEs in rural communities. The rural context may also explain high levels of trust and value, which can serve as assets for future network development and mobilization. 

We present a case study of an adverse childhood experience network operating in rural communities in San Luis Valley, Colorado, with implications for network-building. We found: (a) network members had high levels of trust in their relationships overall; (b) nonprofit organizations were among the most connected organizations; and (c) health clinics were in a greater share of relationships involving assessment, service provision, and resource sharing, positioning them as leaders in these activities. 

I chose this study for several reasons. First, in several recent posts, I have focused on collaboration between and among resources. I think it’s too easy for professionals to “stay in their lane” and talk primarily with peers who have similar practice settings. Second, we know that early intervention can mitigate the adverse consequences of ACEs that are not addressed and the nonprofit agencies and health clinics are likely first responders. Finally, for young professionals or those beginning practice in a new area, this work offers good suggestions for ways to determine who the players are in the very important work of responding to ACEs.