Florida Institute for Child Welfare at FSU's College of Social Work

Florida Institute for Child Welfare at FSU's College of Social Work Promoting safety, permanency, & well-being for children & families of Florida's child welfare system.

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare, housed at the Florida State University College of Social Work, was established Section 1004.615, Florida Statutes 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.

We are so glad to support our partner, Prevent Child Abuse Florida, at their annual convention. If you'll be there, stop...
08/14/2026

We are so glad to support our partner, Prevent Child Abuse Florida, at their annual convention.

If you'll be there, stop by our booth to meet our staff, learn more about our initiatives, and pick up some complimentary Institute swag.

We look forward to seeing you there!

System-impacted youths may cope with stress and trauma in ways that show up around food, body image, and control—and it’...
08/11/2026

System-impacted youths may cope with stress and trauma in ways that show up around food, body image, and control—and it’s not always easy to spot.

Our Associate Director of Research, Lauren H. K. Stanley, and research assistant, Kara Guinan from Florida State University College of Social Work, authored a practical, trauma-informed resource on disordered eating in system-impacted youths, including what to watch for, how to respond with care, and where to connect youths and caregivers to supports.

If you’re working with youths and families, we hope this resource helps you feel a little more prepared for a tough conversation. The report can be accessed in our resource library: https://loom.ly/cn8_KHs

A recording of the "Navigating Uncertainty in Federal Funding and Its Impact on Prevention" session at   symposium is no...
08/06/2026

A recording of the "Navigating Uncertainty in Federal Funding and Its Impact on Prevention" session at symposium is now live on our YouTube channel and in our resource library. https://loom.ly/VOKsj50

The Family First Prevention Services Act (2018) reshaped how communities support children, youths, and families involved with the child welfare system. Implementation has varied by state, and ongoing federal funding volatility has made building a fully accessible array of prevention services even more challenging.

In this session, Jody Levison-Johnson, President and CEO of Social Current, shares practical suggestions for navigating current funding constraints and offers potential next steps to ensure that families can access the services and supports they need.

Want to make a real-world impact through research and administration?  We are seeking a Contracts & Grants Analyst to jo...
08/03/2026

Want to make a real-world impact through research and administration? We are seeking a Contracts & Grants Analyst to join our team.

This position is responsible for coordinating and administering contracts, grants, and sponsored projects for the Florida Institute of Child Welfare throughout the award cycle. This role will also involve managing pre- and post-award grant processes, working alongside leading researchers, and supporting initiatives aligned to our mission.

Visit our website to apply: https://loom.ly/ib499_c

What an amazing time at the Florida Coalition for Children (FCC) Conference!Big moments for us: Director Magruder’s open...
07/22/2026

What an amazing time at the Florida Coalition for Children (FCC) Conference!

Big moments for us: Director Magruder’s opening remarks + introducing Dr. Pryce as keynote speaker, Dr. Ko sharing findings from our 2025 Annual Workforce Survey, and so many meaningful conversations with frontline child welfare professionals across Florida.

We are excited to sponsor both the keynote session and the lived expertise session.

Children with medical complexity need more than medical care—they need coordinated, family-centered support across healt...
07/21/2026

Children with medical complexity need more than medical care—they need coordinated, family-centered support across health care, education, and child welfare.

This research brief highlights how stronger caregiver supports, workforce training, and cross-system collaboration can reduce unnecessary removals and improve stability and outcomes.

Visit https://loom.ly/xYMTiOQ to access the full research brief.

07/16/2026

This webinar from the Florida Institute for Child Welfare's MyALIGN...

Florida law requires all individuals, not just child-facing professionals, to report suspected child maltreatment. Join ...
07/16/2026

Florida law requires all individuals, not just child-facing professionals, to report suspected child maltreatment. Join us for an upcoming webinar presenting findings from a vital new study on nonprofessionals' knowledge of these universal mandated reporting laws.

This webinar will cover:
👉 Findings from 12 bystander scenarios testing public decision-making
👉 The measurable impact of Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) education
👉 Key implications for future child protection operations and training

Don't miss out on this important conversation. Register today 🔗 https://loom.ly/O6dRM4U

Do you have firsthand experience in the child welfare system? Do you want to make a difference in how the system works f...
07/13/2026

Do you have firsthand experience in the child welfare system? Do you want to make a difference in how the system works for other families? Join the Institute team as a Parent Engagement Specialist or Youth Engagement Specialist.

We’re looking for individuals who can apply their lived experience in a professional context to advance the Institute's goals. Your experience is needed to inform and support the Institute’s engagement, research, policy, and programmatic efforts.

Learn more and apply at FICW.FSU.EDU. Full responsibilities and required qualifications for each position are listed on our website: https://loom.ly/ib499_c

Address

2139 Maryland Circle
Tallahassee, FL
32303

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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