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Forest Park council clerk asks to draft resolution declaring childhood‑trauma emergency
Summary
Clerk of Council Kia Bailey asked the council to add drafting a resolution declaring a state of emergency on childhood trauma to a future work session, citing studies of the social cost of adverse childhood experiences and urging targeted, action‑oriented discussion.
Kia Bailey, clerk of council, asked the Forest Park City Council on Feb. 17 to place drafting a resolution declaring a ‘‘state of emergency’’ on childhood trauma on an upcoming work session agenda.
Bailey summarized research and local concerns about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), citing studies that estimate the social cost of untreated childhood trauma in broad economic terms and urging the council to consider how the city might expand supports and resources. Bailey said the aim is to move beyond presentations to a targeted, action‑oriented discussion and asked staff to begin drafting language for a resolution.
Council Member Clark sought clarity on whether Bailey wanted another presentation or an action-oriented drafting session; Bailey replied she wanted drafting to begin and asked for the matter to be scheduled for the work session so the council could determine next steps.
Bailey framed the proposal as advocacy rather than an assertion that Forest Park is uniquely overburdened: ‘‘Is Forest Park overburdened by trauma in our youth? No it’s not, but it does exist and as public servants I believe it’s our duty to advocate and wield government resources to help those that need and can’t get it any other way,’’ Bailey said. The council agreed to add the item to a future work session for further discussion.
