Legislative Mandate
In 2014, the Florida Legislature established the Florida Institute for Child Welfare at the Florida State University College of Social Work under legislative mandate, Section 1004.615, Florida Statutes. The Florida Institute for Child Welfare devised a strategic plan which aligns with the statute and describes how the Institute is governed, including the mission and vision and the foundational pillars developed to target mandated outcomes. Researchers from across the state dedicated to improving the safety, permanency and well-being outcomes for the children in Florida’s child welfare system have joined the affiliate network to become Institute Affiliates and help the Institute achieve its goals.
Mission
The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among the children and families of Florida that are involved with the child welfare system. To accomplish this mission, the Institute sponsors and supports interdisciplinary research projects and program evaluation initiatives that contribute to a dynamic knowledge base relevant for enhancing Florida's child welfare outcomes. The Institute collaborates with community agencies across all sectors and other important organizations in order to translate relevant knowledge generated through ecologically-valid research, policy analysis, and program evaluation.
Vision
To provide nationally acclaimed child welfare research, training services, and policy and practice implementation guidance with our partner organizations in support of the children and families in Florida's child welfare system.
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FY 2020-2021 activities summary
FY 2020-2021 Activities graphic
Strategic Plan
Annual Reports
Foundational Pillars
Recent Institute Activities
Institute Awarded $10 Million to revitalize Child Welfare System of Florida
The Institute will receive $10 Million in recurring funding after Governor Ron DeSantis signed the General Appropriations Act on June 2. The increase in resources will radically expand the Institute's scope and mission.
Read more about the Institute's plans to develop a statewide professional development network, fulfill legislative mandates, re-design a learning curriculum for social work students, enhance workforce well-being, and increase research and evaluation efforts.
Click here for more information
2021 symposium resources
The Institute hosted our 4th annual research symposium in May. Over the two-day event, speakers discussed research, initiatives, programs, and services related to our theme: supporting foster youth and young adults as they transition to independent living after they turn 18.
Click below to view the resources provided by our expert speakers and presenters.
view resources
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