To provide nationally acclaimed child welfare research, training resources, and policy and practice implementation guidance with our partner organizations in support of vulnerable children and families in Florida, in particular, those who become involved in the child welfare system.

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare’s goals and priorities were specified in §1004.615, Florida Statutes, with an overarching mandate to make practice and policy recommendations to improve Florida’s child welfare system. In maintaining alignment with legislative intent and priorities, the Institute developed Four Pillars to target mandated outcomes in the following research priority areas:

Section 1004.615, Florida Statutes (F.S.) The Florida Institute for Child Welfare was created within the Florida State University College of Social Work. The purpose of the institute is to advance the well-being of children and families by improving the performance of child protection and child welfare services through research, policy analysis, evaluation, and leadership development.

Section 1004.615, Florida Statues requires the Florida Institute for Child Welfare to:

❖  Maintain a program of research contributing to the scientific knowledge related to child safety, permanency, and child and family well-being.

❖  Advise the Department of Children and Families and other organizations about the scientific evidence regarding child welfare practice as well as management practices and administrative processes.

❖  Assess the performance of child welfare services based on specified outcome measures.

❖  Evaluate the educational/training requirements for the child welfare workforce and the effectiveness of training.

❖  Identify and communicate effective policies and promising practices.

❖  Recommend improvements in the state’s child welfare system.

❖  Submit an annual report to the governor and legislature outlining activities, significant research findings, and recommendations for improving child welfare practice.