District of Columbia Code Division I. Government of District. § 2-1518. Definitions.

(1) “Adverse childhood experience” or “ACE” means stressful or traumatic events that occur in childhood, including incidents of violence, abuse, neglect, witnessing violence in the home or community, housing instability, substance abuse, mental illness, family involved in the criminal justice system, and having a family member die or attempt suicide.

(2) “At-risk” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 38-2901(2A).

(3) “Child safety” means the protection of children from violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect.

(4) “Nonprofit” means an organization or institution that is exempt from federal income tax under the provisions of 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) and that meets the requirements of Chapter 4 of Title 29.

(5) “Protective factor” means characteristics or conditions at the biological, psychological, family, community, or cultural level that are associated with a lower likelihood of negative life outcomes or promote positive outcomes.

(6) “Risk factor” means characteristics or conditions at the biological, psychological, family, community, or cultural level that are associated with a higher likelihood of negative life outcomes.

(7) “Youth” means an individual under the age of 18.