In recent years, states have been working to help providers and communities address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) — traumatic events such as abuse, violence, and neglect that occur before age 18. California is among this group of innovators, with the Department of Health Care Services’ Office of the Surgeon General launching ACEs Aware, a statewide initiative that assists providers participating in the state’s Medi-Cal (Medicaid) program through training, clinical protocols, and payment for ACEs screenings.

This report shares perspectives from Medi-Cal providers on how to effectively integrate ACE screening into clinical practice for children and adults in a trauma-informed manner. While insights were gleaned from California-based providers, they can help inform health care organizations and providers working across the country to adopt ACE screening. The report is made possible through the California ACEs Aware initiative.