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Child Welfare Stipend Program
About
The Child Welfare Stipend Program (CWSP) is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and four public universities in Virginia, George Mason, Norfolk State, Radford, and Virginia Commonwealth Universities, offering accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. The CWSP is supported by federal funding through title IV-E of the Social Security Act plus a state match provided by VDSS. The CWSP is based on a framework that incorporates state and national standards for child welfare practice. CWSP students receive financial support, opportunities to complete VDSS training, specialized coursework and topical seminars, and gain local department of social services (LDSS) field experience in return for a legally binding commitment to work in foster care, adoption or in-home services in a LDSS in Virginia following graduation.
Program Requirements
- Eligible students must be enrolled in a full-time BSW or MSW program at one of the four participating universities.
- Stipend Recipients must successfully complete two Child Welfare courses (Child Welfare Policy elective and a Child Welfare practice elective).
- MSW Stipend Recipients must complete one field practicum in a child serving setting, and one field practicum at a Local Department of Social Services (primarily in a foster care/adoption/in home role).
- BSW Stipend Recipients and MSW Advnaced Standing Stipend Recipients must complete one field practicum at a Local Department of Social Services (primarily in a foster care/adoption/in home role).
- Stipend Recipients must complete additional CWSP seminars/training as indicated by their University Coordinator. This includes the VDSS New Worker Policy Training, and other topics such as trauma informed care, regional trends in substance abuse, interpersonal violence, etc.
Acceptance
Application Process
To apply, review the Program Guidelines, complete the application and submit all documentation by the date indicated on the application.
- Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program Application - BSW - 2024/2025
- Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program Application - MSW - 2024/2025
- Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Reference Form
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Erica Thornton, MSW
Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program Coordinator
Waldron Hall 229
Radford, VA 24142
540-831-5349
ethornton@radford.edu
Virginia Department of Social Services Supplemental Information
VDSS is one of the largest Commonwealth agencies, partnering with 120 local departments of social services, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children and families statewide.