Program Requirements
Program Requirements
- Complete an interview process designed to assess interest in and level of commitment to public child welfare.
- Attend supplemental Public Child Welfare Prep class in the generalist foundation year (approximately 4 -6 hours per month)
- Be accepted into the child welfare stipend program by DCFS.
- Pass the LA County DCFS hiring standards including:
- Prescreening for county employment including fingerprinting, psychological examination, and medical examination.
- Adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.
- Maintain a 3.0 grade-point average with a grade of B- or higher in each course.
- Successfully complete and receive a grade of B- or higher in all practicum courses.
- Complete the required DCFS university pre-orientation in August.
- Complete the required MSW and Specialized Child Welfare curriculum, including:
- SOCW 537 Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health and Diagnosis
- SOCW 546 Family Therapy in Context
- SOCW 541 Capstone Leadership Project with Focus on Child Welfare Population, Issue Area, or Service Delivery System
- Successfully complete the generalist foundation year of practicum at a community-based organization.
- Successfully complete the final year of practicum with DCFS.
- Have a valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance, and secure the use of a car, as required by practicum,
- Be a U.S. citizen or have permission to legally work in the country.
- Attend specialized training seminars and activities throughout the year.
- Sign a contract to commit to two years of full-time employment with DCFS.
- Repay the stipend if the student is unable to successfully complete any of the program requirements while in the MSW program.
- Repay the stipend if the student is unable to successfully pass DCFS clearances prior to specialization year DCFS Internship requ
- Repay the stipend if the student fails to obtain full-time employment for DCFS post graduation.