Program Overview

Program Overview

The UConn School of Social Work has a longstanding partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families (DCF) to create a more diverse, professionally trained, master level public child welfare workforce. The DCF Child Welfare Workforce Training Program aims to build a pipeline for a professionally trained workforce to serve children and families involved with DCF.

Program Details

A cohort of up to five MSW students will receive a $4,000 scholarship and specialized classroom and practicum training to work at a Connecticut DCF office once their MSW degree is completed.

Program Requirements

Student Eligibility:

• Interest in child welfare
• Minimum 3.0 CUM GPA
• MSW Individuals, Groups, and Families
  • Hartford Campus advanced year or advanced standing Connecticut students
  • Online and Stamford Cohort advanced year Connecticut students
  • Non-DCF employees
  • Meet UConn and practicum agency requirements
• Spanish-speaking students preferred

Application Process:

• Complete the application and include a statement of interest and an unofficial transcript
• Eligible applicants will be selected for an interview with the program leadership team to determine acceptance to the program.

Student Requirements:

• Maintain a minimum 3.0 CUM GPA and remain in good academic standing
• Complete a background screening – CPS, fingerprinting, and driver’s license check, and practicum at a Connecticut DCF area office
• Enroll in the approved child welfare course, HBEL 5381- Child Maltreatment: History, Theory, Prevention, and Intervention
  • SWEL 5318- Core Concepts of Child and Adolescent Trauma will fulfill the above course requirement if it has already been taken.
• Accept a position for employment at DCF in Connecticut, if offered, and remain employed at DCF for two years
  • If DCF employment is not offered or available within 3 months after graduation, graduates are not obligated to wait for a DCF position
  • Return or repay the DCF portion ($2,000) of the scholarship if the requirements and the conferral of the MSW degree are not met

Scholarship Details

Scholarships are disbursed once grades are posted for the fall ($2,000) and spring ($2,000) semesters.

UConn School of Social Work Programs

• Bachelor of Social Work
• Master of Social Work
• Ph.D. in Social Work
• Advanced Standing Program
• Continuing Education
• Non-Degree Program

Additional Information

The UConn School of Social Work is committed to creating a diverse and professionally trained workforce to serve children and families involved with DCF. The DCF Child Welfare Workforce Training Program is a key component of this effort, providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this field.