Protecting Children and Families.
Strengthening Child Life.
Ensuring Child Life services in California are delivered by qualified, certified professionals with clear public accountability.
A patient safety and quality-of-care initiative led by Child Life professionals.
Why Child Life Licensure Is Needed
When families enter a hospital during their most vulnerable moments, they deserve the assurance that every professional caring for their child has met rigorous standards of training and competency.
In California, the title "Child Life Specialist" is not currently protected.
Why Child Life Licensure Is Needed
When families enter a hospital during their most vulnerable moments, they deserve the assurance that every professional caring for their child has met rigorous standards of training and competency.
The title "Child Life Specialist" isn't currently protected.
Without title protection, anyone can claim to be a Child Life Specialist—regardless of their qualifications.
Impact of using Child Life Specialist title without training
Lack of authentic Child Life training puts children and families at risk of receiving care from individuals who lack the specialized education in child development, trauma-informed practice, and evidence-based interventions that authentic Child Life training provides.
Licensure protection
Licensure protects families by ensuring only properly trained professionals can provide psychosocial support during their child's most critical healthcare moments.
What Child Life Licensure Does — and Does Not — Do
Licensure Does
Licensure Does Not
Licensure Does Not
- Protect the Child Life Specialist title
- Build on existing CCLS certification
- Establish state-level accountability
- Support patient safety and quality care
- Create clarity for hospitals and families
Licensure Does Not
Licensure Does Not
Licensure Does Not
- Replace certification
- Create a new exam
- Change daily clinical practice
- Mandate reimbursement
- Prevent qualified professionals from practicing
Who Benefits From Licensure
Children and Families
Child Life Specialists
Children and Families
Families deserve to know that the professionals supporting their child are qualified, certified, and accountable.
Healthcare Systems
Child Life Specialists
Children and Families
Hospitals benefit from clear hiring standards, reduced risk, and consistent role expectations.
Child Life Specialists
Child Life Specialists
Child Life Specialists
Licensure protects professional standards while reinforcing—not replacing—existing certification.
"Certification demonstrates competence.
Licensure provides public accountability."
A Collaborative, Patient-Centered Approach
This initiative is clinician-led, family-centered, and focused on collaboration—not conflict.
We are working alongside Child Life professionals, healthcare leaders, and policymakers to establish thoughtful, realistic standards that protect vulnerable populations while supporting healthcare systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This effort is focused solely on licensure and title protection. While we understand that reimbursement is an important topic for many professionals, this initiative specifically addresses ensuring that only qualified individuals can use the Child Life Specialist title in California.
No. Licensure builds on national certification—it does not replace it. The Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential from the Association of Child Life Professionals remains the gold standard for demonstrating competence. State licensure adds an additional layer of public accountability and title protection.
No. Licensure does not dictate productivity, clinical models, or scope beyond existing standards. Your daily practice, interactions with patients and families, and clinical decision-making remain guided by your professional training, certification requirements, and employer policies.
Title protection means that only individuals who meet specific qualifications can legally use a protected title—in this case, 'Child Life Specialist.' Without title protection, anyone can claim this title regardless of their actual training or credentials, which can confuse families and potentially put children at risk.
When families see a Child Life Specialist in a healthcare setting, they trust that this person has the proper education, training, and credentials to support their child. Licensure ensures this trust is warranted by establishing clear, enforceable standards for who can use the title.
Practicing Child Life Specialists who hold current CCLS certification would be eligible for licensure. The goal is to strengthen and protect the profession, not to create barriers for qualified professionals already serving children and families.
There are several ways to get involved: sign the petition (https://c.org/HRQh9DV4vQ), share information with colleagues and healthcare leaders, contact your state representatives, or join our network of advocates. Every voice helps build momentum for this important change.
Legislative initiatives like this often take multiple sessions to achieve. We are building support among Child Life professionals, healthcare organizations, and policymakers to introduce and pass licensure legislation in California. Stay connected with us for updates on progress.
Endorsed by Leading Organizations
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