The Empower Action Model: A Framework for Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences by Promoting Health, Equity, and Well-Being Across the Life Span

Abstract

The empower action model addresses childhood adversity as a root cause of disease by building resilience across multiple levels of influence to promote health, equity, and well-being. The model builds on the current evidence around adverse childhood experiences and merges important frameworks within key areas of public health—the socio-ecological model, protective factors, race equity and inclusion, and the life course perspective. The socio-ecological model is used as the foundation for this model to highlight the multilevel approach needed for improvement in public health. Five key principles that build on the protective factors literature are developed to be applied at each of the levels of the socio-ecological model: understanding, support, inclusion, connection, and growth. These principles are developed with actions that can be implemented across the life span. Finally, actions suggested with each principle are grounded in the tenets of race equity and inclusion, framing all actionable steps with an equity lens. This article discusses the process by which the model was developed and provides steps for states and communities to implement this tool. It also introduces efforts in a state to use this model within county coalitions through an innovative use of federal and foundation funding.

Equity-Focused, Trauma-Informed Policy Can Mitigate COVID-19’s Risks to Children’s Behavioral Health

“…The Empower Action Model (Srivastav et al, 2020), grounded in an SDOH framework, adopts a multilevel approach to advocate for embedding race, equity, and inclusion in all policies and practices that seek to prevent childhood trauma and adversity. Key tenets of race equity and inclusion should inform organizational efforts to assess and address equity (Srivastav et al, 2020), that is, creating an inclusive environment for all families, encouraging a strong cultural identity for families through adopting practices that honor their culture, and recognizing the existence of disparities by demonstrating a commitment to equity. The Empower Action Model (Srivastav et al, 2020), in conjunction with the core components of a trauma-informed approach (Hanson & Lang, 2016), can improve organizational policies and practices to address childhood trauma and adversity.…”

“…Key tenets of race equity and inclusion should inform organizational efforts to assess and address equity (Srivastav et al, 2020), that is, creating an inclusive environment for all families, encouraging a strong cultural identity for families through adopting practices that honor their culture, and recognizing the existence of disparities by demonstrating a commitment to equity. The Empower Action Model (Srivastav et al, 2020), in conjunction with the core components of a trauma-informed approach (Hanson & Lang, 2016), can improve organizational policies and practices to address childhood trauma and adversity. For instance, knowledge about upstream determinants of health, racism, and their effects on child wellness should be integrated into workforce development trainings and workshops.…”

“…To achieve health equity—such that “everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible” (p. 2 of report)—data-driven programs, policies, and practices must address SDOH (Braveman et al, 2017). These SDOH drive health inequities and include poverty, racism, and childhood adversity (Srivastav et al, 2020). To improve the developmental trajectories of children exposed to adversity and trauma requires addressing health equity, given well-documented disparities in access to health resources and supports based on ethnicity, race, and SES, disparities which COVID-19 has only exacerbated (Srivastav et al, 2020).…”

“…These SDOH drive health inequities and include poverty, racism, and childhood adversity (Srivastav et al, 2020). To improve the developmental trajectories of children exposed to adversity and trauma requires addressing health equity, given well-documented disparities in access to health resources and supports based on ethnicity, race, and SES, disparities which COVID-19 has only exacerbated (Srivastav et al, 2020).…”

Who Is Talking About Adverse Childhood Experiences? Evidence From Twitter to Inform Health Promotion

“…This is reflected by the numerous local, state, and national initiatives that include community-based trainings, coalition building, data collection, and tools developed that leverage the strong body of ACEs research and policy change recommendations (Anda et al, 2010; Bethell et al, 2017; Center for Substance Use Treatment, 2014; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019b; Children’s Trust of South Carolina, n.d. ; Ellis & Dietz, 2017; Hochman & Stevens, 2016; Jones et al, 2017; Srivastav, Spencer, Strompolis, et al, 2020; Washington State ACEs Public–Private Initiative, n.d. ).…”