April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an appropriate time to discuss the effects of toxic stress and childhood trauma on young children as they age into adulthood. A series of film screenings and discussions on these topics will be hosted by Cobb County Public Library, facilitated by the Cobb Collaborative and supported by Resilient Georgia.

Programs will be at the following libraries from 6:30-8:30 pm. Cobb Collaborative staff will be on hand to answer questions after the films.

• Monday, April 18, South Cobb Regional Library - Resilience
• Tuesday, April 19, North Cobb Regional Library - Resilience
• Wednesday, April 20, North Cobb Regional Library - Paper Tigers
• Monday, April 25, South Cobb Regional Library - Paper Tigers
• Wednesday, April 27, Switzer Library - Paper Tigers

Resilience reveals how toxic stress can trigger hormones, wreaking havoc on children's brains and putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time, and even early death. The film also chronicles pioneers in the fields of pediatrics, education, and social welfare who are using cutting-edge science and field-tested therapies to protect children from the effects of toxic stress. The film runs approximately one hour.

Paper Tigers examines the effects of childhood trauma and how one community transformed its culture to respond. The film follows six students as teachers, administrators, health professionals and counselors support them through stressful life events. The film offers a compelling example of how caring connections can improve the well-being of youth, adults, and the overall community. The film runs approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

Cobb County Public Library is proud to offer a venue for difficult conversations for people of all ages. Being that the issue of stress and trauma is a sensitive topic, parental discretion is advised.