Children growing up in poverty are more likely to be exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), toxic stress and trauma. In fact, 24 percent of the children experiencing intergenerational poverty have been victims of a substantiated case of abuse or neglect. As a result of this exposure, children growing up in poverty are at greater risk of having behavioral and emotional problems including anxiety, unhappiness and aggression. (Child Trends). The earlier behavioral health issues are addressed the greater likelihood of recovery and a decrease of life disruption, allowing children to maintain healthy relationships, success in school and succeeding in the workforce. By providing access to a behavioral health specialist in schools, children are able to have their behavioral health care needs addressed promptly.

This indicator represents the number of schools where at least 10 percent of the student population is experiencing intergenerational poverty that provides access to a School Based Behavioral Health specialist. The target represents the number of schools statewide that are serving a student population where at least 10 percent of the students are experiencing intergenerational poverty.