In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the alarming prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Maryland, highlighting their significant impact on children's mental and physical health. The meeting revealed that ACEs, which include abuse, neglect, and household challenges such as substance misuse and mental illness, can lead to chronic health issues and mental illness in adulthood.

This year, the state expanded its focus on ACEs from five to eight categories, introducing new questions aimed at understanding the experiences of high school students. The categories now include physical neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, household substance use, household mental illness, caregiver incarceration, and witnessing intimate partner violence.

Data presented showed that 10.7% of Maryland high school students reported that an adult in their household rarely or never ensured their basic needs were met, with Frederick County faring slightly better at 7.5%. Emotional abuse was reported by 63.6% of students in Frederick County, higher than the state average of 59.3%. Notably, 32.5% of students in Frederick County reported experiencing physical abuse, a concerning statistic that aligns closely with the state average of 33.9%.

The meeting also highlighted disparities in reporting based on demographics. For instance, LGBTQ students reported higher rates of emotional abuse and household substance use, while physical abuse was more frequently reported among male, Black, Hispanic, and multiracial students.

The discussion underscored the importance of addressing these issues at the community level, as the long-term effects of ACEs can be detrimental. Officials emphasized the need for targeted interventions and support systems to mitigate the impact of these adverse experiences on children and families in Maryland.