The Association of Child Life Therapists Australia (formerly Australian Association of Hospital Play Specialists) is the national professional body representing child life therapists in paediatric healthcare.
“[Child Life Therapists] help children engage and subdue fears, misconceptions, anger and profound sadness that hospital experiences provoke, to protect and enhance their developmental integrity, and, wherever possible, use the experiences of illness and hospitalization to build strengths.”
– Wojatasik, S. P., & White, C. (2009). The Story of Child Life. In R. H. Thompson (Ed.), The Handbook of Child Life. Illinois: Charles C Thomas Publisher Ltd; p.12.
OUR VISION AND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE ✿
OUR VISION AND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE ✿
All children and families in Australia are empowered to have a voice which promotes a positive healthcare experience.
Mission (what we do)
Advocate as the Peak Professional body for consistent service delivery through CLT positions at all paediatric treatment facilities
Support existing and new CLT’s to deliver evidence based best practice
Educate the wider health care system about the capacity and value of CLT practice
Advocate to the wider community for improved paediatric healthcare experiences utilising CLT principles
Facilitate the establishment of an accredited professional qualification
Drive research and quality initiatives in partnership with others
Values (our guiding beliefs and principles)
Respect
– respect for each other; our profession; professional peers; patients and their families
Collaboration
– share resources; present a united voice that is heard externally; working with other associations and partners to advocate for evidence-based standard of care
Unity
– shared vision and mission grounded in consistent best practice, common language and open communications
Integrity
– a preparedness to be authentic and advocate for the profession even in the face of adversity
What we do
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Membership
The ACLTA represents Child Life Therapists working in the field, associate members who are interested in the profession and helping to promote its growth throughout Australia and students.
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Networking Groups
Each month the ACLTA hosts online networking groups that focus on topics such as Oncology, Palliative Care, Medical Imaging and the Emergency Department. This regular event helps to connect Child Life Therapists across Australia to share knowledge and resources and connect with each other.
Learn more →
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Webinars
In conjunction with the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), we provide high quality and relevant webinars FREE to all of our full members.
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Conference
The ACLTA hosts a bi-annual Conference that connects Child Life Therapists from around Australia and the world.
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Professional Qualification and Advocation
The ACLTA continues to work on developing a professional qualification and advocating for Child Life Services in paediatric healthcare settings.
Meet Dot
The ACLTA logo mascot, a calico medical play doll. Child Life Therapists use dolls like Dot to help children understand hospital procedures – be that medication taking, blood tests, NG tube insertions, x-rays or CT scans! Calico dolls can be drawn on or decorated in whatever way the child wants; and provide an alternative to using precious teddies and other soft toys.
Child Life Therapists around the country often rely on generous donations of calico dolls from community groups and individuals in order to have enough dolls for their work. If you feel you can assist, and would like to contribute dolls or materials, please contact the ACLTA Executive via the Contact Us form on this website, to be put in touch with your closest child life therapist.