The Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) was formed in 1982, (then called the Child Life Council), as a nonprofit professional association for child life specialists. As of 2012, ACLP’s membership was composed of nearly 5,000 individuals representing approximately 600 organizations worldwide. ACLP is governed by a Board of Directors elected from the membership. The work of the association is accomplished by committees and task forces composed of volunteers, who work with a paid staff, located at the ACLP headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.