Call for Nominations

The Florida Institute for Child Welfare is proud to announce the annual Child Welfare Professional of the Year Awards for 2026. The CWP Awards are presented to those who demonstrate dedication to promoting safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals within Florida’s child welfare workforce and researchers who study the field.

We are now accepting nominations for the 2026 awards for colleagues, supervisors, partner providers, volunteers, and family members who excel in partnering with and supporting parents and caregivers within the child welfare system.

There are seven award categories:  

Child Welfare Professional of the Year Award: Recognizes professionals who consistently demonstrate unwavering dedication and deliver high-quality service in their daily work. These individuals exemplify commitment to the well-being of children and families through excellence, compassion, and integrity. 

Child Welfare Innovator of the Year Award: Honors individuals who introduce creative solutions, programs, or practices that significantly improve outcomes for children and families. This award celebrates forward-thinking approaches that inspire progress and transform child welfare systems. 

Community Partnership of the Year Award: Acknowledges those who build strong, collaborative partnerships within their communities and positively influence local child welfare systems. Recipients foster trust, engagement, and shared responsibility to create lasting impact for children and families. 

Researcher of the Year Award: Recognizes a researcher for outstanding contributions to advancing knowledge and improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families. This individual demonstrates exceptional rigor in research design, a commitment to ethical practices, and a passion for translating evidence into actionable policies and programs that strengthen child protection systems and promote well-being. 

Distinguished Leadership in Child Welfare Award: Celebrate leaders who inspire teams, champion innovation, and drive systemic improvements. These individuals demonstrate vision, integrity, and a commitment to creating sustainable change in child welfare. 

Emerging Leader of the Year Award: Honors rising professionals, ages 18-28, who show exceptional promise in the field of child welfare. These emerging leaders demonstrate initiative, advocacy, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of children and families. 

Parent or Caregiver of the Year Award: Recognizes parents or caregivers who exemplify resilience, compassion, and mentorship in supporting system-involved families. This award honors those who go above and beyond to help other families create safe, nurturing environments.

If you know someone deserving recognition for their dedication and commitment to children and families in Florida, please submit your nomination by March 2, 2026.  

Winners will be announced by March 16, 2026, and awards will be presented at the Institute’s annual symposium, Prevention in Practice, on May 5-6, 2026. All awardees will receive a travel scholarship to attend the two-day symposium in Tallahassee.

Please contact Elizabeth Keating-Mathews at Elizabeth.mathews@fsu.edu if you have any questions.  

Important Dates

Nomination Process

The Institute accepts nominations from colleagues, supervisors, partner providers, and family members. Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families. 

Individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system (e.g., former foster youth, parents, caregivers) are strongly encouraged to be nominated and are eligible for all awards. 

Nominees can be professionals, advocates, parents/caregivers or community members actively engaged in child welfare work. 

Previous winners of the CWP award are not eligible for nomination.  

Nomination's Applications Include

1. A nomination letter detailing the nominee’s exceptional actions and achievements, specifically detailing their contributions within the selected award category. Letters may include:
   1. Explanation of why this individual is significant and relevant to the child welfare field.
   2. Demonstration of how the nominee meets or exceeds the requirements of the award.
   3. Describes the individuals qualities such as integrity, collaboration, mentorship, and commitment to the children and families of Florida.
2. One additional letter of support from a colleague or parent/caregiver.  This letter cannot be authored by the nominator.
3. A completed application through Survey Monkey Apply.

Note: To be considered, all parts of the application must be submitted by March 2, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Nominators will receive a confirmation email after the application is submitted.

The nomination and support letters must be submitted in Times New Roman, 12 point font and not exceed 500 words.