Definition: Estimated percentage of children ages 12-17 exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as of their current age, by type of ACE (e.g., in 2024, 13.9% of California youth ages 12-17 had experienced economic hardship (when it was very hard for their family’s income to cover basics like food or housing) somewhat or very often).
Data Source: Adverse Childhood Experiences (TQ1 – TQ9): The California Health Interview Survey, 2022-2024. Tabulation by the California Dept. of Public Health, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (Jun. 2026).
Footnote: This indicator reports on exposure to nine adverse childhood experiences from birth to the time of survey: experienced economic hardship (when it was very hard to cover basics like food or housing on family's income) somewhat or very often; parent or guardian got divorced or separated; parent or guardian died; parent or guardian served time in jail or prison; witnessed domestic violence (seen or heard parents, guardians, or other adults in the home slapping, hitting, kicking, punching, or beating each other up); witnessed or been the victim of violence in the neighborhood; household member was mentally ill, suicidal, or severely depressed for more than a couple of weeks; household member abused alcohol or drugs; judged or treated unfairly because of race or ethnic group. These estimates are based on a survey of the population and are subject to both sampling and nonsampling error. Respondents can report more than one type of adverse childhood experience (ACE); as a result, percentages across ACE types may sum to more than 100%. For more information, visit the California Health Interview Survey.
