Frequently Asked Questions

The Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team takes a combined intervention and prevention approach to addressing children’s mental, behavioral, emotional, and physical health through targeting families who have had documented incidences with law enforcement or other first responder intervention. The team connects with these families to offer support and education around trauma and adverse childhood experiences to encourage connection to local social supports. The physical presence of the ACERT team in the community encourages citizens to consider law enforcement as ‘helpers’ and further forges an embedded connection between law enforcement and strengthens relationships with community agencies that often work closely with the same citizens. Engaging with families in their own homes also promotes trust and care during difficult times.

Towns and cities in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine have explored ACERT. Communities in the Midwest and in other countries have also expressed interest.This website offers tools to help you assess whether ACERT is viable in your community and to guide implementation. Visit the resources section to learn more.

ACERT is a referral program that connects with families after a crisis or incident occurs. ACERT is not deployed in times when mental health or medical attention must be provided. Additionally, ACERT does not take the place of child welfare agencies and standard legal protocols and responsibilities that must be met at a state level when there is suspected neglect or abuse in the home.

Schools remain an informed party in the ACERT referral process. When families indicate on the signed release form that the school can be notified of the incident, the advocate shares information with a designated representative who then notifies the child(ren)'s teacher(s) as applicable so teachers are aware and can be mindful that a situation occurred in the home and watch out for signs of emotional or behavioral distress.