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.
Foundational Pillars
Recent Institute Activities
2021 Symposium: Supporting Foster Youth & Young Adults for Success
The Florida Institute for Child Welfare is pleased to host our 4th annual research symposium. It is vital that we provide programs, services, and resources to assist our youth and young adults as they transition to independent living after they turn 18. Over the two day event, speakers will discuss academic research, initiatives, programs, and services related to our themes: building relationships and getting plugged in.
Both days will feature a panel of youth and young adults with lived experiences who will share their voices to provide the audience with key information for the participants to consider integrating into their work.
GAP Report
To fulfill the objectives of Florida Statute (F.S.) 39.6225, the Institute contracted with affiliate Dr. Martie Gillen (University of Florida) to evaluate the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP). The final report is now available.
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