The mission of Children's Aid Society is
to promote a strong and permanent family for every child.

Since 1912, Children's Aid Society has provided services to families in need or at risk. It has helped parents with the skills and resources they need to keep families together or, when children could not remain with their own families, other homes have been provided through foster care or adoption.

Our programs are varied, but all have a common goal--to assist children and their families in meeting their immediate needs for care and safety, as well as to enhance their opportunities for optimum growth and development.

In 1912, a group of prominent citizens concerned about the welfare of children met in conference and organized an agency to care for dependent and neglected children in Jefferson County. Children's Aid Society was then incorporated on February 21, 1913. The Agency's purpose has not changed, although the specific services have been adapted to meet changing circumstances and needs.

Children's Aid Society is a charter member of the United Way of Central Alabama, a founding member of the Child Welfare League of America, and is accredited by COA (the Council on Accreditation). Children's Aid Society is licensed as a child-placing agency by the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Services are provided within the family whenever possible or in the least restrictive setting in which the child's special needs can be met. All services are provided on a voluntary and confidential basis. Children and families actively participate in their own case planning and interventions. Services are provided to all individuals qualified for service regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

Children's Aid Society has embraced the National Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics as the pillar of the Agency's ethical practice since its inception. All Children's Aid Society employees adhere to the professional values and practices delineated in the Code. Of particular significance are the emphases on empowerment, integrity, and self-determination, especially in regard to employees respecting the values and rights of consumers.