Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program

Title IV-E Applications for Fall 2025 are now open and will close on May 30, 2025. For any questions, please email titleive@csustan.edu. 

The Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program, as part of the Department of Social Work (MSW) program, provides graduate education, a competency based curriculum, and financial aid. The Child Welfare Training program was created to increase the number of practitioners in public child welfare who hold a master’s degree in Social Work. Upon graduation, students must work full-time in a county child welfare services agency or California Department of Social Services (CDSS) child welfare division for two (2) years.

Eligibility for 2 Year Title IV-E Stipend Program

Students admitted to the two year MSW stateside program, who qualify will receive an award of $50,000 spread over two years. In addition, students must demonstrate a commitment to a career in public child welfare through a separate application process.

Eligibility for 3 Year Title IV-E Stipend Program

Students admitted to the three year MSW program who qualify are current employees of a county, social services, or state human services agency, will receive support in the form of reimbursement for all required educational program costs and qualifying transportation expenses.

The Title IV-E application is a separate application process applicant may start applying after admission to the MSW stateside program. Note: Applicants admitted after the deadline are still eligible to apply.

Email completed application to: titleive@csustan.edu.

Note: Students admitted to the MSW Hybrid Program are not eligible for the Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend.

This section only applies to 3-year stipend applicants

Only current employees of a county human services agency or Department of Social Services in California can apply for the CW stipend.

If you are applying for the three-year award and plan to continue working for your department of social services you can begin your preparations. The Child Welfare Training Program requires a letter of support from your agency administration if you are selected and awarded the three-year stipend. This letter should clearly affirm the following:

1. In accordance with the Title IV-E program general conditions, your agency commits to support you during your education by reducing your paid employment caseload by 2/5 during your first two academic years, while you are required to be placed as an intern for two days a week in a field placement, in your agency, in a unit other than your regular job, that provides a learning experience approved by the MSW Program.

2. That the agency will support your attendance in all classes required by the MSW Program to complete your degree, including schedule flexibility and/or other accommodations, to allow you to arrive on time to classes.

3. That upon your successful completion of the MSW degree program and continued positive employment reviews that the agency will support your application for employment as a Social Worker IV or a comparable position in the agency if there are positions open.

4. If there are no positions offered, that you are freed to apply to other agencies to fulfill your payback requirements (2 years).

If, for any reason your employer is unable to support these affirmations please contact the Project Coordinator to discuss your options.

For More Information

• FAQs Title IV-E MSW Program.pdf

Message from your Advanced Year Title IV-E Student Representative, Angel Flores-Volk

My name is Angel Volk. I am a first-generation college student who recently graduated from UC Merced with a bachelor's degree in psychology in May 2023 and am currently in the MSW program as part of the Class of 2025. In the past I have gained valuable experience interning at a group home and am currently interning for a Foster Family Agency, working with at-risk youth. Once I finish the MSW program, my goal is to join the Emergency Response Unit as an Investigations Social Worker and work my way up to a supervisor position in county. In addition to my academic and professional pursuits, I also have the joy of being a pet mama of three: a two-year-old border collie named Bear, a four-year-old cat named Nala, and a one-year-old cat named Pepper. My schedule can get very busy, but I enjoy using my free time to explore some of my interests like painting or cooking new recipes in the kitchen. I appreciate the opportunity to represent Stan State as the Title IV-E representative and am very excited to see what the future holds!!

Message from your Foundation Year Title IV-E Student Representative, Kelly Weber 

My name is Kelly Weber. I graduated from California State University San Marcos in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in psychological sciences. I am currently in the 2-year MSW program at Stan State with an expected graduation date of May 2026. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to advance my education and obtain the skills needed to succeed in the child welfare industry. In my free time, I enjoy camping, skiing, hiking, fostering four-legged friends, and spending time with all of my nieces and nephews.  Thank you for the opportunity to represent my peers and this program as the Foundation Year Title IV-E Representative. 

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