

POLICY MAKERS
Informing Policy
To advocate for effective policy, Maryland Essentials for Childhood invests significantly in identifying best practices nationally, internationally and in other states, learning from researchers in the field and providing an opportunity for dialogue among our partners.
In 2016, Maryland EFC released a framework for our priorities, grounded in the emerging fields of brain science and adverse childhood experiences. That white paper, The Science of the Developing Brain, ACEs & Resilience: A Strong Case for a Prosperous Maryland still shapes the work we are doing today.
Toward a More Prosperous Maryland
In 2019, Maryland Essentials for Childhood released a white paper, Toward a More Prosperous Maryland: Legislative Solutions to Prevent and Mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Build Resilient Communities. Lawmakers around the country are educating themselves on cutting-edge neuroscience, epigenetics, the ACE study and resilience (NEAR Science) and taking policy actions to promote healthy development and a prosperous future for their constituents.
This brief shares the basics of the NEAR - neurobiology, epigenetics, ACEs and resilience Science - along with the evidence-based and innovative policies being implemented by federal and state governments to prevent and mitigate childhood trauma and promote family and community resilience.
This document has been a powerful tool in educating lawmakers and thought leaders on the science and solutions.
The white paper would not have been possible without the dedicated work of our Maryland Essentials for Childhood Partners, Change the Conversation, formerly No More Stolen Childhoods, SCCAN and the Sondheim Nonprofit Leadership Program.
“Safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments serve as protective factors and are essential for the health and well-being of our children, ensuring that every child in Maryland has equal opportunity to thrive. All Marylanders play a role in ensuring the health and well-being of the next generation and a prosperous future for all. No one individual, organization, sector, or branch of government alone can prevent ACEs and trauma or mitigate their impact.”
~ From Toward a More Prosperous Maryland: Legislative Solutions to Prevent and Mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Build Resilient Communities.
ACEs Roundtable Session
Sponsored by: Delegate Vanessa E. Atterbeary and Senator Antonio Hayes
In December 2019, Maryland Essentials for Childhood held an ACEs Roundtable Session for members of the Maryland General Assembly. The event provided legislators and community leaders the opportunity to hear from experts and discuss ways to pass and implement policies and practices that:
- Have a proven, powerful effect on healthy child and adolescent development.
- Prevent, reduce and heal adversity and trauma.
- Build resilience.

The day included presentations from and discussions with:
- Frank Kros of Kros Learning
- Melissa Merrick, CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America and served as a lead scientist for the ACE study at CDC
- Kate Blackman, National Conference of State Legislators
- First Lady of Delaware Tracey Quillen Carney
- Mary Rolando, ACEs Innovations Director in the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services
- Michael Castognola, staff for the House of Representatives Oversight and Reform Committee and the late Congressman Elijah Cummings
- Joan Gillece of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors
During a round robin lunch with legislators, local experts, leaders of Maryland community ACE initiatives and Maryland Essentials for Childhood partners from across the state had the opportunity to share how the science is being translated into action on the ground in communities across the state.
Legislators were encouraged to join Maryland ACEs Action to stay connected to organizations across the state working to promote ACEs research awareness and trauma-informed/resilience-building practices.
The Abell Foundation provided generous support for facilitation and graphic recording of the event.