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In New Jersey, pre-pandemic data demonstrateover 40% of children have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), and 18% have experienced two or more. Black and Hispanic children experience higher rates of multiple ACEs compared to their non-Hispanic white peers. Recent hospital data indicates an increasing percentage of inpatients with ACEs across all demographics since 2016, though disparities by race and ethnicity persist.
Overall prevalence
More than 40% of children in New Jersey have experienced at least one ACE (2016-2018).
18% have experienced two or more ACEs.
Among children under five years old, about one-third wereContinue reading
In New Jersey, pre-pandemic data demonstrateover 40% of children have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), and 18% have experienced two or more. Black and Hispanic children experience higher rates of multiple ACEs compared to their non-Hispanic white peers. Recent hospital data indicates an increasing percentage of inpatients with ACEs across all demographics since 2016, though disparities by race and ethnicity persist.
Overall prevalence
More than 40% of children in New Jersey have experienced at least one ACE (2016-2018).
18% have experienced two or more ACEs.
Among children under five years old, about one-third were estimated to have experienced one of more ACEs.
Recent hospital data shows the percentage of inpatients with ACEs has increased for both males and females since 2016.
Latest national data (2022-2023)demonstrated that New Jersey had one of the lowest percentages nationally for children 0-17 experiencing two or more ACEs, at 9.6% compared to the US average of 14.5%. This measure is based on a limited list of 8 ACEs, however, and does not capture the full scope of adversity.
High school students (2021): The New Jersey Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that about three out of 10 high school students experienced at least one ACE, with some experiencing multiple types. Common ACEs among students included sexual violence, bullying, and discrimination.
Disparities by race and ethnicity
More than 27% of African-American children and 22% of Hispanic children have experienced multiple ACEs, compared to 16% of non-Hispanic white children.
Hospital data from 2016-2023 shows that while ACEs have increased across all racial and ethnic groups, Hispanics initially had the highest percentage, and whites had the highest percentage in 2023.
Asian patients had the lowest percentage of ACEs in the hospital data.
Impact and outcomes
Experiencing multiple ACEs is linked to poorer long-term health and social outcomes.
For example, children with multiple ACEs are 3 times more likely to repeat a grade than those with no ACEs.
Hospital inpatients with ACEs are significantly more likely to have behavioral health issues, with 74.9% having a diagnosis compared to 37.3% without ACEs in 2023.
Bethell, C.D., Davis, M.B., Gombojav, N., Stumbo, S., & Powers, K. (2017, October). Issue Brief: A national and across state profile on adverse childhood experiences among children and possibilities to heal and thrive. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. https://www.cahmi.org/projects/adverse-childhood-experiences-aces/
Center for Health Analytics, Research & Transformation at NJHA (CHART). (2024, August). Adverse Childhood Experience of Hospital Patients. CHART Bulletin Series, Vol. 55. www.njha.com/chart
Merrick, M. T., Ford, D. C., Ports, K. A., & Guinn, A. S. (2018). Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences from the 2011–2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 23 States. JAMA Pediatrics, 172(11), 1038. https://doi.org/10.1001/ jamapediatrics.2018.2537
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New Jersey, like many states, is developing a statewide infrastructure for collecting data on ACEs and PCEs. This profile shares New Jersey’s efforts to understand the impact of ACEs and PCEs across the state through data, with the goal of designing initiatives that promote child health and well-being. The findings can inform other states looking to implement similar data-driven efforts.
This issue brief offers hope and a way forward so that all children and their families can attain optimal physical, social, and emotional development and well-being. Presented are the latest data documenting the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among children in the United States.
