Philadelphia ACE Task Force

Research has consistently shown that experiencing trauma during childhood can have lifelong effects. Adversities such as abuse, neglect, witnessing violence in the home, and having a parent who was incarcerated have been linked to increased risks of depression, unstable employment, substance use disorders, and chronic health conditions, including heart disease. In 2012, a small group of pediatricians came together to explore ways to mitigate the impact of childhood trauma. Those early convenings, led by the then Institute for Safe Families, resulted in the formation of the Philadelphia ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Task Force.

Over the years, the Philadelphia ACE Task Force grew into a network of more than 100 individuals representing medicine, behavioral health, nursing, education, community organizations, philanthropy, law, and other sectors, all committed to building a more resilient Philadelphia. Through cross-sector collaboration, the Task Force fostered learning, advanced research, advocated for systems change, and engaged communities to reduce the impact of adverse childhood experiences and promote healing across the city. While the Task Force is no longer active, its work helped elevate trauma-informed approaches and strengthened partnerships that continue to influence practice and policy today.

The Scattergood Foundation played a central role in the Task Force throughout its existence, serving as a member, backbone organization, and later as a leader on the Steering Committee. During that time, Scattergood managed key initiatives, convened and planned events, tracked and evaluated progress, and led strategic planning efforts that helped guide the Task Force’s work and amplify its impact.