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.

Systems theory as a framework for examining a college campus-based support program for the former foster youth.

Increased attention to former foster youth pursuing post-secondary education has resulted in the creation of college campus based support programs to address their need. However, limited empirical evidence and theoretical knowledge exist about these programs. This study seeks to describe the application of systems theory as a framework for examining a college campus based support program for former foster youth. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 program stakeholders including students, mentors, collaborative members, and independent living program staff. Using qualitative data analysis software, holistic coding techniques were employed to analyze interview transcripts. Then applying principles of extended case method using systems theory, data were analyzed. Findings suggest systems theory serves as a framework for understanding the functioning of a college campus based support program. The theory's concepts help delineate program components and roles of stakeholders; outline boundaries between and interactions among stakeholders; and identify program strengths and weakness. Systems theory plays an important role in identifying intervention components and providing a structure through which to identify and understand program elements as a part of the planning process. This study highlights the utility of systems theory as a framework for program planning and evaluation.