Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health, Chronic Medical Conditions, and Development in Young Children

To determine the relationships between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health, chronic medical conditions, and social development among young children in the child welfare system. This cross-sectional study used a nationally representative sample of children investigated by child welfare (National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II) from 2008 to 2009.

ACEs were associated with poor early childhood mental health and chronic medical conditions, and, among children aged 3 to 5, social development.