ACEs Task Force: Shedding Some Light on Real Problems Affecting Our Youth

On August 20th, power players from across the state converged on the Justice Center in Raleigh to tackle a pair of ACES. Studies have shown that children impacted by ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences, such as child abuse, and Adverse Community Environments, such as high concentrations of poverty and violence) are much more likely to end up in court as an adult either as an offendor or a victim. Because law enforcement and judicial officials are in regular contact with children impacted by ACEs, they are in a unique position to help. That is why Chief Justice Paul Newby created the Task Force on ACEs-Informed Courts.

I am lucky enough to co-chair the Task Force with New Hanover and Pender County District Attorney Ben David. Task Force members include law enforcement leaders, judicial leaders, faith leaders, and educational leaders from across the state. Liz Winer and the Winer Family Foundation are providing generous support to the Task Force. The mission is to enable Judicial Branch to understand the impact on children of exposure to ACES and to develop strategies for addressing adverse consequences within our court system. The Duke University School of Law Bolch Judicial Institute will provide education to our judges.

The Task Force had its first meeting on August 20, highlighted by presentations from subject matter experts such as Dr. Tripp Ake of Duke University Medical Center. Judicial training began the following week, and we will continue to work as a group to improve the training and raise awareness.

For more information and updates about the Chief Justice's Task Force on ACEs-Informed Courts, please visit the Task Force website.

Please take a moment to thank our task force members who have sacrificed their time and efforts for this worthy cause and wish them success as we work together to improve the lives of our young people in North Carolina.

Chief Justice Paul Newby

District Attorney Ben David

District Attorney Seth Banks

Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court Meredith Edwards

Judge Phyllis Gorham

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Chief of Police Johnny Jennings

Guardian Ad Litem District Administrator Nalini Joseph

Chief Public Defender Bert Kemp

Duke Law Bolch Judicial Institute Director David Levi

Transylvania County Sheriff David Mahoney

Former Duke and NBA player / retired attorney Jack Marin

Judge Quintin McGee

Judge Angelica McIntyre

District Attorney Spencer Merriweather

Judge Mario Perez

Department of Public Safety Deputy General Counsel LaToya Powell

NC Administrative Office of the Courts Director of Training and Service Mike Silver

Judge Casey Viser

Bishop Patrick Wooden, Upper Room Church of God in Christ