Established as a nonprofit organization in 1982, theAssociation of Child Life Professionals (ACLP)advances the field of child life by establishing and maintaining professional standards, enhancing the professional growth and development of members, and advancing the credibility of the child life profession by fostering research and promoting the standards of child life practice on a national and international level.
The Associationrepresents trained professionals with expertise inhelping infants, children, youth,and familiescope with the stress and uncertainty ofillness, injury and treatment. ACLPis comprised ofmore than5,000 individuals representingat least600 organizations worldwide. Our members includeCertified ChildLifeSpecialists, child life assistants, university educators and students, hospital administrators and staff, school teachers, therapeutic recreation specialists, andprofessionalsin related fields.
Click on the following document to learn more about ACLP and the field of child life,About the Association of Child Life Professionals.
ACLP Mission
To foster excellence in child life professionals through engagement in education, scientific inquiry, and innovation.
ACLP Vision
Children and families of every race, identity, and community understand, navigate, and cope with serious life events.
ACLP Core Values
Integrity – We promote consistent self-awareness, accountability, responsibility, and ethical decision-making. We strive for full transparency in our actions and communications.
Equity - We strive for equitable treatment, opportunities, and access to our information and resources for all. We believe achieving equity is only possible in an environment built on respect and dignity.
Inclusivity - We build a culture of belonging by actively inviting the contribution and participation of people of every race, identity, and community. We believe every person’s voice adds value, and we strive to create balance in the face of power differences.
Collaboration – We bring together those with diverse perspectives, experience, and expertise to strengthen and enrich our organization.
Excellence - We integrate scientific evidence, best practices, rigorous standards, and innovation throughout our organization’s work.
ACLP Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Definitions
Diversity: Diversity is the representation of all our varied individual and collective identities and differences. We proactively seek out and engage with a variety of perspectives because we believe we can only advance justice when we affirm our similarities and understand and find value in our differences.
Equity:Equity is fair treatment, equitable opportunities, and access to our information and resources for all. We recognize that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to address these imbalances. We believe achieving equity is only possible in an environment built on respect and dignity.
Inclusion:Inclusion is an environment and culture of belonging that actively invites the contribution and participation of people of every race, identity, and community. We believe every person’s voice adds value, and we strive to create balance in the face of power differences. We believe that no one person can or should be called upon to represent an entire community.
Anti-Racism Statement: We commit to antiracism through the promotion of inclusion, belonging, and the emotional safety of patients, families, workforces, and the communities we serve.
