About

ALIGN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES (Formerly AASCF)

ALIGN Association of Community Services is a membership association of agencies providing essential services to children and families across Alberta. Established in 1967 as the Alberta Association for Services to Children and Families (AASCF), ALIGN began as a network of agencies with shared interests. Over the past 40 years, we have proudly represented child welfare and family service providers—championing the development of service standards, influencing social policy and legislation, and advocating for frontline agencies.

Today, ALIGN has several Regional Chapters across Alberta, with plans to expand to meet the evolving needs of our members. Our governing Board of Directors includes representatives from Regional Chapters, the Aboriginal Community, and Strategic Initiatives—ensuring diverse voices
shape our collective impact.

We are a unified community of allies, advocating for the essential services that support Alberta’s children and families. We champion the work of frontline service providers and empower our members with knowledge, research, and resources. Together, we are stronger.

We are the collective voice of our members—leading conversations that drive meaningful
change. With a shared vision, we amplify the issues that matter most. Together, we are bold.

With over 50 years of leadership and expertise, ALIGN is recognized across Alberta by communities, teaching institutions, the Government of Alberta, and other organizations as a trusted advisor and thought leader. Our leadership in shaping the sector is in constant demand. Together, we lead.

Together, we lead. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are bold. 

A Message From ALIGN’s Executive Director & President

In 2024–2025, ALIGN Association of Community Services experienced a year of transition, renewal, and growth. With a change in leadership and staffing shifts, this was a period of ensuring stability while embracing opportunities to strengthen our role as a collective voice for children, families, and communities across Alberta. Guided by our 18-month Strategic Focus Plan, which complemented the 2022–2027 Strategic Directions, ALIGN remained focused on advancing advocacy, system leadership, service excellence, and organizational sustainability.

Highlights of the year included strengthened government relations and advocacy in areas such as group care, foster and kinship care, Family Resource Networks, licensing transformation, workforce sustainability, and advancing improvements to FSCD services, with a focus on equitable access for rural families and Indigenous children and families. Membership grew by 20 percent, demonstrating renewed engagement and stronger connections across the province. The launch of our redesigned website in fall 2024 enhanced communication and knowledge-sharing and was followed by a successful 18th Annual Conference in winter 2025. ALIGN’s Indigenous Cultural Understanding Framework (ICUF) also expanded, with new offerings and Elder-led teachings, while the Empowering Futures gatherings advanced important conversations on child welfare sovereignty. The Well-Being Toolkit continued to evolve through the development of an Implementation Support Framework and national outreach, and Elder guidance is leading ALIGN toward hosting its first Winter Count in 2025.

ALIGN advanced its Occupational Health and Safety initiative through a successful Showcase Day, the establishment of Communities of Practice, and direct consultant support to agencies developing safety systems and preparing for COR certification. Importantly, ALIGN worked in partnership with Children and Family Services (CFS) and the Continuing Care Association (CCSA). ALIGN also worked with other government partners and stakeholders to ensure sector input informed the long-anticipated WCB code review.

As we move forward, ALIGN is well-positioned to build on the momentum of this transitional year. Our priorities will focus on deepening sustainability through member engagement, expanding access to ALIGN offerings: ICUF, the Well-Being Toolkit, and training opportunities, and continuing to strengthen OHS supports and sector capacity. With gratitude to our board of directors, staff, Elders, members, and partners, we look ahead with optimism and resolve.

Together, we remain one voice, so children, families, and communities thrive.

Sonja Polz – ALIGN Executive Director
Robecca Chahine – ALIGN President

Download Report

As part of our commitment to strengthening the sector, ALIGN also serves as the fiscal agent for the Community Initiatives Against Family Violence (CIAFV), supporting its mission to address and prevent family violence in Alberta.

Memberships With:

• Child Welfare League of Canada 
• The Nonprofit Chamber
• Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
• First Nations Child & Family Caring Society
• Volunteer Alberta

ALIGN Partnerships

• ALIGN participation in CYCAA Certification Committee and the Mental Health Services Protection Act Committee and Leadership Team
• AFKA and ALGN work together to support foster care and kinship caregiving and sit on GOA committees
• ALIGN participation on the Leadership Team and member of the AMP Children and Youth in Care Advisory Committee
• ALIGN and Inclusion Alberta work together to support Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)
• ALIGN and Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS) work together to support and advocate on behalf of Disability Service Providers – Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)