The Lifelong Impact of Adverse Experiences in the Early Years 

The Leslie Harris Centre of Regional Policy and Development
and
The Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of Medicine
invite you to a half-day workshop 

Recent research shows that infants and children facing chronic adversity are likely to experience a broad range of difficulties and impairments in life. These range from emotional, behavioural, interpersonal, school and stress-related adjustment problems in adolescence, to more severe difficulties, such as mental health problems, delinquency and criminal offending later in life. This tragedy is amplified by the fact that, in adulthood, affected parents tend to reproduce the kind of upbringing they had as children.

How can this cycle be interrupted, so that every child has a loving and nurturing environment that allows her or him to thrive and to become a well-adjusted and productive citizen? Do our approaches to identification and intervention need to change to achieve this vision and, if so, how? What public policies are needed? What is the collective role of governments, non-governmental organizations, faith communities, foundations, artists, the media and others? What knowledge gaps stand in the way of society being able to address the core issues and not simply the symptoms?

These and other questions will be addressed at the workshop. The discussion will be led by:

·                     Dr. Delores Doherty, Aspens and Oaks

·                     Heather Modlin, Key Assets Newfoundland and Labrador

·                     Dr. Martha Traverso-Yepez, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University

This workshop will explore recent research in childhood adverse experiences and engage participants in an action-oriented discussion.

Registration is free but required.