building stronger communities, one family at a time

We are the Institute for Child Welfare Innovation.

Our team brings ideas, people and agencies together to implement proven child welfare programs in communities across the country. Our rigorous, evidence-based approach empowers agencies to bridge the gap between policy and people to create the best possible outcomes for children and their families.

Learn about our first program – 30 Days to Family® 

We want to build a child welfare system that is kind, efficient, collaborative, evidence-based, and centered on children & family well-being.

We support child serving agencies to scale proven solutions, work together, and bridge gaps in policy and practice.

In everything we do, we are guided by these ideas:

• Family first, always
• Change is possible
• Transparency is respectful
• Efficiency is imperative
• Working together is paramount
• Kindness is the common denominator

The idea for the Institute originated with the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition, a St. Louis-based organization helping children in foster care find permanency. For eight years, the Coalition’s 30 Days to Family® program had successfully placed kids with families, bringing stability to families but also substantial cost savings to the state. 

Agencies across the nation learned of the Coalition’s positive outcomes, and expressed interest in replicating the program. We developed the Institute out of this opportunity, allowing us to bring out subject matter expertise to government and non-government agencies who want to replicate and scale programs that build better lives for children, their families and the communities they call home.