Children's Aid Society of Alabama's Story, Over 100 Years of Dedicated Service
Children’s Aid Society of Alabama (CAS) - Nonprofit Agency Serving Children, Youth, and Families
Welcome to Children’s Aid Society of Alabama (CAS), a leading nonprofit agency dedicated to serving children, youth, and their families. With a rich history dating back to 1912, CAS has been a pillar of support in our community. As a pioneer in child welfare, we were established by a group of caring Alabama citizens who shared deep concerns for the well-being of children, even before the formation of the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR).
Our experienced team of social workers and counselors tirelessly work to provide essential services to families in our ever-changing society. From our early years, when we managed the local juvenile detention center and two orphanages, to the mid-1900s when we introduced foster care, adoption services, and emergency assistance programs, CAS has consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of the community.
CAS holds a significant place in the child welfare landscape. We became a licensed DHR Child Placing Agency in 1943 and are proud to be one of the founding members of the esteemed United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) and the Child Welfare League of America.
Throughout the decades, CAS has developed specialized programs to address the unique challenges faced by families. In the 1970s, we pioneered initiatives for teen parents, homemakers, adoptive families, and families in need of respite care for children with special needs. In the 1980s, we opened A Baby's Place, providing essential care for children with HIV.
As we entered the 1990s, CAS introduced Project Dads, a groundbreaking program designed to empower teen fathers and equip them with effective parenting skills.
Embracing the 21st century, CAS expanded its services to include in-home Family Intervention Services, Post-Adoption Services in partnership with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, and emergency services through Project Independence, an initiative that offers housing, training, and support to homeless parenting teens and their children. We also partnered with The Department of Human Resources to provide Family Options services, supporting families who struggle to care for their children. Through our Alliance partnership, we introduced Continuum of Care services, aiming to enhance treatment options for children and their families. As the emerging needs of youth aging out of foster care have developed over the years, our Independent Living program is actively working to prepare youth ages 14 - 21 with living skills and access to educational and vocational resources to help them thrive when they exit care. Our newest program is the Child Trafficking Solutions Project, (CTSP). Recognizing the increased vulnerability of youth in foster care to become ensnared in child trafficking, our leadership felt it was a natural progression to offer training to help communities become informed and help bring an end to child trafficking in our state.
We take great pride in our accreditation by the nationally recognized Council on Accreditation (COA), making CAS the 16th agency in the US to achieve this esteemed status. Since 1978, we have consistently maintained our accreditation by undergoing rigorous reviews every four years. This accreditation serves as a testament to CAS's effective resource management and our unwavering commitment to providing the best possible services.
CAS is actively engaged in various national networks, including the National Network for Runaway and Homeless Youth and the National Safe Place Network. Our CEO proudly serves on the Board of Directors, ensuring our voice is heard at the highest level. Additionally, CAS is a member of the Alabama Association of Child Care Agencies, with our CEO currently serving as President. Through this association, we foster positive and productive working relationships with DHR leaders and staff. Our dedicated staff members actively participate in Children’s Policy Councils across the state, and we proudly partner with the Jefferson County Policy Council on projects, including our free bi-lingual parenting courses offered by our EPIC program.
At CAS, we understand the critical importance of Trauma-Informed Care. In 2015, we initiated the process of becoming a Trauma-Informed Care Organization. Guided by a national consultant, our staff and Board undertook a comprehensive self-evaluation to ensure we can effectively assist families in problem-solving and processing trauma. Our APAC Training team offers a full library of on-demand trauma-informed webinar courses that are free of cost to anyone, and they are happy to conduct in-person training across the state of Alabama as well. Our goal is to provide unwavering support and foster healthy relationships.
Our home office is based in Birmingham, AL and we have satellite offices in Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Thank you for visiting Children’s Aid Society of Alabama (CAS). We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children, youth, and families in our community. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you.
