(Sacramento – May 29, 2018) – Today the State Assembly voted 60-10 to approve Assemblymember Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer’s (D – South Los Angeles) legislation that would establish the Trauma-Informed Schools Initiative within the California Department of Education. AB 2691 would help children traumatized by exposure to domestic violence and other adverse childhood experiences succeed in school.
“For many children who have experienced traumatic events, school can feel like a battleground, which sabotages their ability to remain calm and regulate their behavior in the classroom,” said Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer.
Experts explain that trauma is a response to one or more overwhelmingly stressful events that dramatically undermine one’s ability to cope with life experiences. Many children who are exposed to trauma develop behavioral coping mechanisms in an effort to feel safe and in control, yet these behaviors can frustrate educators and evoke exasperated reprisals and reactions that reinforce a negative self-image.
“As lawmakers we must do everything in our power to recognize the trauma our children are suffering and find solutions to help them lead a positive and productive life,” said Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer. “AB 2691 is a step toward addressing the impact of adverse childhood experiences on the educational outcomes of California pupils.”
AB 2691 now heads to the California State Senate.