Who We Are

ACE Response grew out of a partnership between Prevent Child Abuse America and the University at Albany (SUNY) School of Social Welfare. Consistent with the mission of the ACE Think Tank and Action Team New York, this website seeks to raise awareness of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mobilize comprehensive responses to them across the lifespan in order to prevent ACEs and their consequences.

We support the integration of prevention/intervention research with practice wisdom in local areas to promote resilience, recovery, and transformation. We highlight the healing power of social networks, which can provide a recovery context that enhances the services offered.

Jim Hmurovich, President of Prevent Child Abuse America, focuses on prevention of ACEs from a national perspective. ACE research, combined with social work knowledge of response strategies, helps to develop concise, consistent messaging about the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect in the first place.

Heather Larkin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, extends ACE research, integrates social work prevention and intervention research, and develops national and international partnerships with policymakers, program directors and practitioners. Emphasizing the healing power of social networks, Dr. Larkin has co-developed an intervention model known as Restorative Integral Support (RIS). She leads the HEARTS (Healthy Environments And Relationships That Support) Initiative in the Capital Region of New York.