Terrell RYDC Youth Learn To Play Their ACES

In August 2025, female youth at Terrell RYDC took part in a meaningful session led by Mrs. Victoria Brackins, an author, a businesswoman, a minister, a facilitator, a teacher and a survivor who heads up the Trauma Training University series of roundtables that helps young adults learn to deal with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) so that their futures are not overwhelmed by their pasts.

During this gathering, she shared a pamphlet about a topic called "Good Days" and encouraged discussions about how sharing personal stories can have a significant impact on our lives. One story that stood out was about a touching moment in Mrs. Brackins’ life when she asked her aunt’s fiancé, who played a fatherly role in her upbringing, if she could call him "Dad." At that point, she had also started calling her aunt "Mom," longing for more stability and security in her childhood. Despite not having known her biological father, seeing other children with fathers made her feel excited and proud to finally have someone to call her own. This relationship was recognized by her teachers and friends.

This sparked deep conversations among the young attendees, many of whom shared their own similar experiences. They responded with comments like, “I can relate because my aunt had to take care of me and my siblings," and "For me, it was my grandparents who stepped in to help us." They highlighted how their caregivers took a more active role in supporting them, realizing that these figures were not just caregivers, but also parental figures.

Through this session, the youth learned about the positive impact that supportive adults can have in their lives and how these connections can help build a strong foundation for future success.

About the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is dedicated to transforming young lives through evidence-based rehabilitative services and education. Serving justice-involved youth up to age 21, the agency works to strengthen families and foster safe communities while offering young people the tools they need to succeed.