Child Welfare

Florida Institute for Child Welfare

A Podcast by the Florida Institute for Child Welfare at Florida State University

  1. E1: Lived Experience and Advocacy: A Parent’s Perspective

    1D AGO

    E1: Lived Experience and Advocacy: A Parent’s Perspective

    Domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities. In this episode, survivor and parent advocate Sharwline Nicholson shares her experience and advocacy work. A nationally recognized speaker, Nicholson offers invaluable insights into how systems can better support families affected by domestic violence and child welfare involvement. “I am who I am. I speak authentically and this is my experience, and I'll share my experience.” —Sharwline Nicholson About Sharwline: https://iamnicholson.com/ Nicholson’s Four Factors for Judicial Consideration in Cases Involving Domestic Violence and Children: https://promising.futureswithoutviolence.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Nicholsons-Four-Factors-for-Judicial-Consideration-in-Cases-Involving-Domestic-Violence-and-Children.pdf Florida’s Professionally Mandated Reporter Course by the Department of Children and Families (DCF): https://www.myflfamilies.com/sites/default/files/PT/FlProMandatedReporter/story.html Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support. For confidential help, contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) 📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788 💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.org National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673) https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors Florida-specific Domestic Violence Hotlines Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119 📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202 https://www.fcadv.org/dv-hotline https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence https://www.fpedv.org/get-help/ Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) – Domestic Violence Resources 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119 📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202 DCF partners with certified shelters and programs statewide and helps locate services in your area. https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence https://www.flfamily.org/get-help/domestic-violence/ The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation. Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare Host:  Dr. Lisa Magruder Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

    30 min
  2. Building Systems of Hope: E3 Dr. Vicky Basra, Stephanie Burke, Jennifer Brooks of "See the Girl"

    JAN 21

    Building Systems of Hope: E3 Dr. Vicky Basra, Stephanie Burke, Jennifer Brooks of "See the Girl"

    Content & Support Disclaimer: This episode features in-depth discussion of human trafficking involving children and young adults. While essential for awareness, some details may be distressing or triggering. Listener discretion is strongly advised. In this episode, Lauren Herod speaks with three guests who lead efforts to prevent human trafficking and help victims of commercial sexual abuse in Florida. Dr. Vicky Basra, Stephanie Burke, and Jennifer Brooks of the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, also known as “See the Girl,” discuss the need for more training among child welfare professionals on human trafficking. They explain how systemic gaps complicate prevention efforts and what policy changes are needed to make more progress on the problem. Tune in to learn about their success stories with trafficking survivors, including a 13-year-old girl, and how the organization offers hope by leading with compassion, patience, and new practices backed by the latest research. If you—or someone you know—needs help or wishes to report trafficking, here are 24/7 confidential resources: National Human Trafficking Hotline Phone: 1‑888‑373‑7888 Text: HELP → 233733 (“BEFREE”) TTY (hearing impaired): 711 Email: help@humantraffickinghotline.org Live Chat: via humantraffickinghotline.org Child Abuse & Exploitation Specific Hotlines: Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1‑800‑422‑4453 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1‑800‑843‑5678 or report online at Cybertipline.org [youth.gov] Florida-specific Support Florida Abuse Hotline (for children/vulnerable adults): 1‑800‑96‑ABUSE (1‑800‑962‑2873) [myflfamilies.com], [floridahealth.gov] Florida Human Trafficking Reporting Line: 1‑855‑FLA‑SAFE (1‑855‑352‑7233) [djj.state.fl.us], [floridahealth.gov] Office of Human Trafficking Intervention (FL Dept. Juvenile Justice): (850) 717‑2714 [djj.state.fl.us] Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare Host: Lauren Herod Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

    37 min
  3. Building Systems of Hope: E2 with Dr. Joan Reid

    JAN 14

    Building Systems of Hope: E2 with Dr. Joan Reid

    Content & Support Disclaimer: This episode features in-depth discussion of human trafficking involving children and young adults. While essential for awareness, some details may be distressing or triggering. Listener discretion is strongly advised. In this episode, Dr. Joan Reid, professor of criminology at the University of South Florida and director of the USF Trafficking in Persons Research Lab, explains how her research is helping create solutions to prevent trafficking. Her key goals include: - Developing more effective ways to connect trafficking survivors to services. - Supporting child welfare professionals’ efforts to help victims and survivors. Dr. Reid has written more than 60 articles focused on child sex trafficking in Florida, including groundbreaking research documenting a disproportionate risk of exploitation in sex trafficking among children with disabilities. Her research has been used in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and state courts. Tune in to learn how Dr. Reid’s research is influencing government policy and helping Florida to become a leader in data-driven policy targeting human trafficking. Dr. Reid encourages child welfare professionals and anti-trafficking programs to contact the USF Trafficking in Persons Research Lab to learn how to better serve trafficking victims and survivors. Find resources here: https://www.usftiplab.org/resources/ If you—or someone you know—needs help or wishes to report trafficking, here are 24/7 confidential resources: National Human Trafficking Hotline Phone: 1‑888‑373‑7888 Text: HELP → 233733 (“BEFREE”) TTY (hearing impaired): 711 Email: help@humantraffickinghotline.org Live Chat: via humantraffickinghotline.org Child Abuse & Exploitation Specific Hotlines: Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1‑800‑422‑4453 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1‑800‑843‑5678 or report online at Cybertipline.org [youth.gov] Florida-specific Support Florida Abuse Hotline (for children/vulnerable adults): 1‑800‑96‑ABUSE (1‑800‑962‑2873) [myflfamilies.com], [floridahealth.gov] Florida Human Trafficking Reporting Line: 1‑855‑FLA‑SAFE (1‑855‑352‑7233) [djj.state.fl.us], [floridahealth.gov] Office of Human Trafficking Intervention (FL Dept. Juvenile Justice): (850) 717‑2714 [djj.state.fl.us] Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare Host:  Lauren Herod Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring

    12 min
  4. Building Systems of Hope: E1 with Dr. Charrita Ernewein

    JAN 7

    Building Systems of Hope: E1 with Dr. Charrita Ernewein

    Content & Support Disclaimer: This episode features in-depth discussion of human trafficking involving children and young adults. While essential for awareness, some details may be distressing or triggering. Listener discretion is strongly advised. In this episode, Dr. Charrita Ernewein, assistant professor at the University of Tampa and director of community education for the ⁠FREE Network⁠, joins host Lauren Herod to discuss efforts to prevent human trafficking in Florida. As a destination state, Florida ranks among the highest in the nation in human trafficking rates, according to a ⁠2024 state report⁠. In her role at the FREE Network, Dr. Ernewein focuses on human trafficking education, advocacy, and collaboration. She works to bring together organizations, including law enforcement and child welfare agencies, to address this persistent problem. Her doctoral research explored ways to help survivors of human trafficking reintegrate into the community. Their key needs include long-term housing, financial support, legal assistance, and better access to health care. Dr. Ernewein says many survivors were trafficked as children, often through familial connections. She says too many survivors are stigmatized, complicating their recovery. Dr. Ernewein is advocating for more trauma-informed training among professionals in child welfare, law enforcement, and health care. She’s also working to expand education among families about internet crimes against children. If you—or someone you know—needs help or wishes to report trafficking, here are 24/7 confidential resources: National Human Trafficking Hotline Phone: 1‑888‑373‑7888 Text: HELP → 233733 (“BEFREE”) TTY (hearing impaired): 711 Email: help@humantraffickinghotline.org Live Chat: via humantraffickinghotline.org Child Abuse & Exploitation Specific Hotlines: Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1‑800‑422‑4453 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1‑800‑843‑5678 or report online at Cybertipline.org [youth.gov] Florida-specific Support Florida Abuse Hotline (for children/vulnerable adults): 1‑800‑96‑ABUSE (1‑800‑962‑2873) [myflfamilies.com], [floridahealth.gov] Florida Human Trafficking Reporting Line: 1‑855‑FLA‑SAFE (1‑855‑352‑7233) [djj.state.fl.us], [floridahealth.gov] Office of Human Trafficking Intervention (FL Dept. Juvenile Justice): (850) 717‑2714 [djj.state.fl.us] Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare Host:  Lauren Herod Producer: David Heller Sound Engineer/Editor: Brantley Jones

    21 min
5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A Podcast by the Florida Institute for Child Welfare at Florida State University