Title IV-E Applications for Fall 2025 are now closed. 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

First-year Title IV-E Students (Fall 2023)

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

 

Hello! 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 two-year MSW program at Stanislaus State, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. I truly enjoy being in the MSW program at Stan State and love building meaningful relationships with both my peers and professors. I am excited to continue advancing my education and developing the skills necessary to thrive in the child welfare field. Outside of my studies, I enjoy hiking, going on trips, camping, skiing, and hanging out with my dog! Thank you for the opportunity to represent my peers and this program as the Advanced Year Title IV-E Student Representative. 

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Message from your Foundation Year Title IV-E Student Representative, Adam Hernandez!

My name is Adam Hernandez. I am a first-generation college student who graduated from the University of San Francisco in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Chicano Studies. I am currently, enrolled in the three-year program here at Stan State, on the Stockton campus. In my career I have gained valuable experience with various case management roles, ranging from substance abuse clients, individuals on felony probation, and public housing recipients. I currently work as a social worker in child welfare, and I hope to utilize the skills I learn in the MSW program to become a better social worker for the clients I serve. I ultimately want to participate in the positive change that is being made in the field of social work. Outside of my academic and professional career, I am a father and a partner, my family and I love to go out of town to the beach, and to find new places to eat. We love sharing new songs and artists that we listen to. In my personal time, if I’m not listening to new music or watching new shows, I try and write poetry. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Stan State as the Title IV-E representative and hope we can all come together to make lasting positive change! 

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External Links

Title IV-E Graduates & Employment Obligation

Graduates nearing their employment obligation for time worked must complete an Employment Completion Form (ECF). The ECF is an online form that is generated through the California Title IV-E Education Program system through email. Graduates will receive a personalized link by email when near the 24 month obligation period. To obtain full credit for employment payback obligation graduates must complete the ECF and obtain an agency letter within 31 calendar days of completing employment obligation.

The completion letter on agency letterhead must be in PDF format and include the following:

  • Position title
  • Employment start date
  • Hours per week or FTE
  • Employment end date or indication of continued employment
  • Indication of termination or layoff, if applicable
  • Name & Title of agency signatory
  • Signature and date of agency signatory

Contacts

Pollie Bith-Melander, Principal Investigator
Phone: (209) 667-3012
Email: pbithmelander@csustan.edu

Jenell Thompson, Project Coordinator
Phone: (209) 667-3205
Email: jthompson22@csustan.edu

Yvonne Berenguer, Child Welfare Lecturer/Practicum Educator 
Phone: (209) 667-3948
Email: yberenguer@csustan.edu

Anacani Rocha, Child Welfare Lecturer/Practicum Educator
E-mail: azuno@csustan.edu

Nadine Kent, Title IV-E Grant Analyst
E-mail: nkent@csustan.edu 

Kenny Ramirez, Title IV-E Administrative Assistant
E-mail: kramirez20@csustan.edu

Updated: October 20, 2025