Current Legislative Priorities

In 2014, the Florida Legislature established the Florida Institute for Child Welfare at the Florida State University College of Social Work under Section 1004.615 , Florida Statutes, with an overarching mandate to make practice and policy recommendations to improve Florida's child welfare system. The Institute is currently executing several legislative priorities that mandate work related to the child welfare workforce, foster youth, quality of group care, critical incident rapid response investigations, and the Family First Prevention Services Act.

Under the following legislation, the Institute will:

Ch. 2020-152 of Florida Law
(Senate Bill 1326)

Design and implement a career-long professional development curriculum for child welfare professionals at all levels and from all disciplines.

409.996 (25) F.S. Quality Standards for Residential Group Care

Develop a statewide accountability system for residential group care providers based on measurable quality standards.

Critical Incident Rapid Response Team

Develop any necessary guidelines specific to critical incident rapid response investigations.