Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur in a child’s life, often resulting in negative physical and mental health outcomes. Given the overwhelming evidence linking ACEs to negative health outcomes across the lifespan, there has been heightened interest in routine ACE screening in pediatric primary care settings.

This qualitative evaluation explores clinic staff perceptions around routing ACE screening in five pediatrics clinics in Los Angeles County. Themes were divided into three categories: (1) screening acceptability and perceived utility; (2) implementation and quality improvement; and (3) effects of screening on patients and clinicians. Staff indicated that ACE screening was acceptable and useful in pediatric care settings to enhance trauma-informed care, while also noting barriers, such as time constraints and limited referral resources.