The Commission on Children and Youth in Tennessee convened on May 21, 2025, for the Resilient Tennessee Collaborative Statewide Summit, focusing on the impact of adverse childhood experiences and the importance of supporting children in crisis situations. The meeting highlighted the need for law enforcement to recognize and document the experiences of children who may be victims or witnesses to traumatic events, even if they are not directly involved.

A key discussion point emphasized the necessity of capturing the experiences of children who are affected by incidents in their communities. Many children may be sent away during emergencies or may overhear distressing events, yet their needs often go unrecognized in official reports. This oversight can hinder the understanding of how many children are impacted and how to allocate resources effectively.

Participants discussed the importance of training and technical assistance for law enforcement officers to ensure they are aware of the broader implications of their interactions with children. The goal is to create a supportive environment that acknowledges the emotional and psychological effects of trauma on young individuals.

The summit also addressed the concept of generational cycles of trauma, stressing that communities often focus on the events themselves rather than the responses to those events. This can perpetuate negative behaviors and shame, which further complicates healing. The discussion included insights from experts, such as Brene Brown, on the importance of facing trauma to facilitate healing.

The "Handle with Care" program was highlighted as a successful initiative in Warren County, where notifications of children's exposure to trauma increased significantly after its implementation. This raised awareness among law enforcement and school officials about the prevalence of such interactions and the need for a coordinated response.

Overall, the summit underscored the critical need for comprehensive support systems for children in Tennessee, aiming to break the cycle of trauma and promote resilience within communities. The next steps involve continued collaboration among counties to enhance awareness and resources for addressing the needs of affected children.