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.
Students accepted into this program receive a $10,000 stipend per academic year. In exchange for the stipend and extensive child welfare training, the stipend recipient must commit to work at a Local Department of Social Services within the state of Virginia (one calendar year for each academic year that the stipend was received). This employment obligation must begin within three (3) months of graduation.
To apply, review the Program Guidelines, complete the application and submit all documentation by the date indicated on the application.
Erica Thornton, M.S.W.
Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program Coordinator
Waldron Hall 229
Radford, VA 24142
540-831-5349
ethornton@radford.edu
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.