Improving outcomes of children in out-of-home care


Supporting quality practices
based on
research and evidence of effectiveness.

Quality Assessment & Improvement

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Research & evaluation

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Training & Technical Assistance

The FSU Institute for Quality Children's Services (IQCS) is committed to excellence in children’s out-of-home services. Children’s out-of-home services encompass placement and treatment settings for children who, for various reasons, are not able to be cared for in the home. These settings include, but are not limited to, residential group homes, residential treatment centers, foster homes, statewide inpatient facilities, detention centers, and emergency shelters.

Our team works across child service systems to conduct cutting edge research to inform practice and policy and provide consultation, evaluation, training, and technical assistance to elevate service quality and outcomes.

NEWS & EVENTS

Quality Standards Assessment (QSA) has been added to CA Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC)

After more than a decade of development and research, the Quality Standards Assessment (QSA) has been added to the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC), one of the nation's leading evidence-based practice registries in child welfare and...

“I hope my voice is heard.”: A mixed-methods study of youths’ perceptions of residential care

Access Article Highlights There is a lack of robust knowledge on how youth placed in residential care view their care experiences. We used mixed methods to evaluate residential care experiences among a large sample of youth (N = 450) in 127 residential settings. Most...

A mixed-methods evaluative study of the life model of residential care for trauma-affected children and youth

Access Article ABSTRACT We examined the Life Model of residential care for trauma-affected foster youth with life-skill deficits. Staff interviews described implementation. The Community-Oriented Programs Environment Scale, completed by youth and staff, assessed the...

FSU announces new institute to promote quality out-of-home care for children

READ MORE A new institute launched at Florida State University aims to improve the lives of children and their families who rely on out-of-home care. The Institute for Quality Children’s Services will be housed within the College of Social Work’s Center for the Study...

Caring for Autism: Profound Uncertainty

Cassie and Sabrina talk about their experience as mothers raising profoundly autistic children.
SPOTIFY PODCAST LINK

IQCS Peer Support Group

Caring for a child with complex medical, behavioral, or developmental needs can be overwhelming – but you do not have to do it alone.  SIGN UP TO JOIN SUPPORT GROUP

FSU Social Work Research Shines at 2026 SSWR Conference

NEWS POST | Boel-Studt PRESENTATION "Exploring Caregiver Experiences with Navigating and Securing Residential Care for Children with Intensive Needs."

MISSION

Our mission is to promote the well-being of children in out-of-home care and their families by making scientifically supported quality practices accessible and actionable to federal, state, local government, private nonprofit, and for-profit child serving organizations and caregivers.

VISION

Our vision is for children and families at all levels of need to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.