Improving outcomes of children in out-of-home care

Supporting quality practices based on
research and evidence of effectiveness.

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.

EVENTS & RESOURCES

WEDNESDAY | FEB 11 , 2026  | WEBINAR

IQCS Launches 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.   SUPPORT GROUP: SIGN UP TO JOIN US

Caring for Autism: Profound Uncertainty

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

PODCAST LINK:  SPOTIFY

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.

Quality Assessment & Improvement

improvement image

Research & evaluation

analysis image

Training & Technical Assistance