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