[7] The amount and types of ACEs can cause significant negative impacts and increase the risk of internalizing and externalizing in children.
Challenges include immigration, discrimination, violence, low socioeconomic status (SES), alcohol and substance use.
[13] For children who have migrated to the U.S. with their families are at higher risk of experiencing traumatic events, as they tend to experience trauma in their home country and during their migration and settlement to the U.S.[14] Children who have undocumented parents, their chances of ACEs are further elevated since they may witness their parents being arrested, detained, or deported for being undocumented.
[15] With the increased stress that Latino families face because of the described challenges, there is a greater risk of gang involvement, exposure to substance use, mental health problems, harmful parenting practices, and medical difficulties.
These barriers reduce their chances of finding stable and well-paying jobs, increasing the risk of low SES among this population.
[23] Latino children who experience ACEs such as incarceration, maltreatment, and interpersonal trauma are at heightened risk and susceptibility for substance use disorders (SUDs) in later life.
[24][25] Research suggests that Latino children who experience household incarceration are at risk of increased binge drinking, marijuana use, and negative substance use consequences in emerging adulthood.
[36][29] Research suggests that high family cohesion minimizes the risk of exposure to violence and negative mental health outcomes in adolescence and adulthood.
[37] Those who do not have substantial cohesion levels in their environments are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and psychotic symptoms.