Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program

The Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend program at CSUSM provides specialized training for students who are committed to working in public child welfare. The program is funded through a federal grant from the Title IV-E Social Security Act, with the goal of improving the quality of foster care, reducing the number of children in foster care, returning children to their homes as soon as conditions permit, and facilitating the adoption or permanent placement of children who cannot be returned to their homes.

Students selected to participate in the stipend program gain knowledge and practice experience working in child public welfare settings that will prepare them for a career in this field. Participants receive an annual stipend of $18,500 each year they are funded (up to 2 years), and upon graduating with their MSW degree, commit to working in a county child welfare agency for the period of time they received financial support. Indigenous graduates may also complete their employment requirement in a California Reservation Child Welfare Services agency, urban Indian agency in California serving Title IV-E eligible children and families, or a non-California Reservation Child Welfare Services agency.

Interested students must submit an application to participate in the Child Welfare Stipend Program. IV-E applicants must apply to the CSUSM Master of Social Work program simultaneously* and will only be considered for the Child Welfare Stipend Program if they are accepted to the MSW program. Full-time stipends are available to 2-year full-time and Advanced Standing applicants. 3-year evening/hybrid stipends may be available for qualifying HHSA Child Welfare employees.

*Only applicants that submit a complete application to the MSW Program BY the MSW Application priority deadline will be considered for the IV-E stipend.  IV-E applications submitted/received after that may not be considered.

Selection Priority

• Current staff members of county public social services agencies and employees of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) (will need to take a leave of absence);
• Applicants who reflect the diverse client populations currently served by public child welfare in California;
• Specific attention to indigenous students committed to tribal and other indigenous organizations serving child welfare involved families;
• Other qualified individuals with demonstrated experience and commitment to careers providing high-quality, culturally responsive practice in public child welfare services.