The Florida Institute for Child Welfare at Florida State University

This article discusses the role of The Florida Institute for Child Welfare (Institute) in the overall goals of child welfare in the state of Florida. The complexity of child welfare requires thoughtful and innovative methods of training and practice. The Institute was created as a result of a series of child fatalities and negative child and family outcomes. The Institute has been tasked with maintaining a program of research that informs child welfare legislation. By creating the Institute, an objective voice, to focus on building an infrastructure of research, it is clear that state leaders have prioritized the effectiveness of our child welfare system. Prominent research has included an analysis of the frontline workforce, residential group care, and the behavioral health of child welfare-involved parents. With the passing of the new law, the Family First Prevention Services Act, research-based services are being promoted and prioritized among federal child welfare leaders. The Institute offers advisement and consultation to Florida's state child welfare system relating to workforce development, training, and the provision of research-based services. This paper will include the description of the Institute and ongoing research.