Institute for Child Welfare Innovation

Overview

The Institute for Child Welfare Innovation is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families within the child welfare system. The organization focuses on innovating and implementing new strategies to address the systemic challenges faced by child welfare systems.

Mission

The Institute aims to challenge the status quo in child welfare by providing skills and expertise to support organizations in enhancing the well-being of families connected to the system. Its mission is to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to create innovative solutions that help keep families together.

Programs and Initiatives

• 30 Days to Family Program: Originally developed by the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition in St. Louis, this program aims to reconnect children in foster care with their biological families within a short timeframe. The Institute supports agencies nationwide in replicating this model.

• #10thousandlives Movement: Launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative seeks to connect more children in foster care with their families. It provides free services such as webinars, Learning Collaboratives, training, coaching, and consultation to child welfare professionals across the country. The movement aims to collectively impact the lives of 10,000 children and families through the involvement of 1,000 professionals.

Operations

The Institute supports child-serving agencies by scaling proven solutions, fostering collaboration, and bridging policy and practice gaps. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement and collective action to reform the child welfare system.

Activities and Impact

Through its programs and initiatives, the Institute has made significant strides in impacting the lives of children and families. As of March 2021, over 675 professionals had participated in its free services, resulting in the provision of nearly 275 hours of service and impacting over 2,427 lives. Additionally, more than 635 professionals were influenced by the organization's work, contributing to the broader mission of improving the child welfare landscape.