Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Repository

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In New Jersey, pre-pandemic data demonstrate over 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.

In New Jersey, pre-pandemic data demonstrate over 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. 

References

America’s Health Rankings, United Health Foundation (2025). Adverse Childhood Experiences in New Jersey. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/ACEs_8_overall/NJ

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

  • Research & Data

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    Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences and Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences in New Jersey: Early Data Findings
    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.

    The profile is a product of Preventing ACEs Across New Jersey: Data to Action, an initiative supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


    A national and across-state profile on Adverse Childhood Experiences among U.S. children and possibilities to heal and thrive
    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.

  • Prevention

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    The SEEK approach is a practical and evidence-based approach that helps primary care professionals (PCPs) address targeted social determinants of health or ACEs that are also risk factors for child maltreatment: parental depression, major stress, substance misuse, intimate partner (or domestic) violence, food insecurity and harsh punishment. SEEK thus enhances primary care by promoting the healthy functioning of children, parents, and families. It’s easy to implement, and the screening may be reimbursed.

    Pediatricians, family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and residents in pediatric and family medicine primary care settings.
    Anyone can complete the     SEEK online training for free.

    SEEK was developed to take advantage of excellent opportunities in primary healthcare to learn about children’s family environments and to facilitate help when needed. A practical approach was developed to help primary care professionals (PCPs) play this role. Two large randomized controlled trials have had very promising findings toward helping to prevent child maltreatment. SEEK helps respond to what has been learned in the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) studies: the potential long-term and substantial harm associated with childhood adversities. In addition, SEEK helps with the increasing recognition of the important need to address social determinants of health, also called health-related social needs.