A traumatic childhood experience may cause an individual to carry issues into adulthood, but the connection with a caring adult may change that trajectory.
The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work along with Hope Cottage Pregnancy and Adoption Center will show a screening of "Paper Tigers" from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on April 24, in the School of Social Work’s auditorium. After the screening, the organizers will share An Adverse Childhood Experiences Study questionnaire and lead a discussion/answer forum to discuss the themes displayed in the film, social work associate professor in practice Jan Finch said.
The documentary film follows a year in the life of an alternative high school that has radically changed its approach to disciplining its students, becoming a promising model for how to break the cycles of poverty, violence and disease that affect families.
Clinical physician Vincent Felitti and epidemiologist Robert Anda published the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, in which these concepts are explored in the film, according to kpjrfilms.co.
Felitti’s research relays if a person scores 4 or higher on the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire, then they are more likely to have experienced physical or mental health issues, Finch said.
This film depicts how children are raised in stressful circumstances where financial, physical or emotional struggles factors into their current situation. The showing is free, with refreshments served to attendees. The organizers encourage anyone working with young people suffering from early childhood trauma, particularly teachers, social workers, health care workers and administrators in local school systems should view the film.
The documentary filmmakers, researchers and supporting DFW organizations such as Hope Cottage are the “stars” of the event, Finch said. She has worked in the field of social work for decades, and would like for attendees to become aware of childhood trauma and internalize that message to help others, she said.
“[I would like for audiences] to walk away with a sense of hope,” Finch said.
Tuesday, April 24
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
UTA School of Social Work Complex Auditorium – A-109
Free Popcorn and Soda
Panel Q/A Discussion follows
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