With research showing child maltreatment is substantiated for one in eight children in the US, it's clear Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), a broader category of experiences than just maltreatment, are at an epidemic scale in our society. Slowly and silently, these emotionally and physically abusive experiences that are often hidden from protective services destroy essential relationships, fill our jails, diminish our workforce, inhibit learning in our schools, overtax our emergency rooms, and encourage the sort of hopelessness that drives people to drugs and other self-destructive behaviors. Everyone is harmed, directly or indirectly, as the trauma is passed from generation to generation.

The authors' main thesis, quite simply, is that protecting all our children is entirely possible, but only when we know the scope of the challenges families face. The book provides a detailed, data-driven analysis of the scope of the problem, its various parts, and how to strengthen systems designed to protect our children. The book suggests a series of shockingly modest yet strategic reforms, changes that can ensure that the future systems of protection in every community are better at identifying their shortcomings and fixing them. The proven strategies proposed have the power to heal families, illustrating how we can all take courageous and compassionate steps toward designing child-friendly, trauma-free communities.

In the shadows of society lies an epidemic of childhood trauma, often overlooked by the public, media, and lawmakers.

Research reveals a staggering statistic: one in eight children in the US experiences substantiated maltreatment, reflecting the widespread prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These silent yet pervasive traumas, ranging beyond maltreatment, corrode vital relationships, burden our institutions, and perpetuate cycles of despair and destructive behaviors.

Dr. Katherine Ortega Courtney and Dominic Cappello advocate a simple yet profound message: safeguarding all children is achievable through a deep understanding of familial challenges. Their book meticulously dissects the issue, offering data-driven insights and pragmatic solutions to fortify child protection systems. By advocating for modest yet impactful reforms, the authors pave the way for resilient communities prioritizing healing and prevention.

Anna, Age Eight sparks dialogue and drives tangible change through initiatives like the Anna, Age Eight Institute and the transformative 100% Community Model. These endeavors aim to combat childhood trauma and adverse social determinants of health, illustrating a path toward nurturing child-friendly, trauma-free communities through compassion and courage.

Visionary social innovator Dr. Katherine Ortega Courtney, and New York Times bestselling author and change agent, Dominic Cappello, are creators of the revolutionary 100% Community Model, the nation's premier data-driven plan to address critical public health, safety, and education challenges at the county and state levels. Their groundbreaking data-driven and technology-enhanced strategy offers a bold path to improve systems of support that ensure trauma-free childhoods, families, schools, and communities.

Readers will leave these pages inspired to engage with a plan of action.