CA Title IV-E Stipend Education Program

The CA Title IV-E Stipend Education 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 $25,000 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. We also offer a 3-year online model with a tuition reimbursement model for qualifying County of San Diego (only) HHSA employees.

Interested students must submit an application to participate in the CA Title IV-E Stipend Education 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 offered admission 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, but only for qualifying County of San Diego (only) HHSA Department employees.

Selection Priority

• Candidates who can effectively serve diverse client populations involved in public child welfare in California.
• Candidates who can effectively work in tribal and other indigenous organizations serving child welfare involved families.
• Candidates with demonstrated experience and commitment to careers providing ethical, empathetic, research informed, and culturally responsive practices.
• Title IV-E stipends in the 3-year regional online program are only available for current staff members of county public social service agencies or employees of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).