About the Child Welfare Scholars Program
Welcome!
We're glad you're here. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, the Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars Program may be the perfect fit for you.
This program is designed to prepare and support generalist and advanced generalist social workers in becoming leaders who are committed to culturally responsive practice. Scholars are equipped to serve children and families through county, state, and tribal child welfare agencies, with a special focus on Northern Minnesota.
The program is open to students pursuing either a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. It offers both academic and financial support for those dedicated to a career in public or tribal child welfare.
Interested in learning more?
Explore the sections below for detailed information about eligibility, benefits, the application process, and more.
BSW Prospective Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars
The Bachelor of Social Work Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars Program promotes the development of generalist social workers to become leaders who are committed to pursuing culturally responsive practice as they serve children and families through county, state and tribal child welfare agencies, focusing on Northern Minnesota.
Program Overview
Education and Curriculum
- Must demonstrate a commitment to the field of public and/or tribal child welfare
- Complete SW 2113: Introduction to Child Welfare OR SW 5032: Child Welfare Practice, Policy and Profession
- Complete SW 4215: Trauma Informed Practice with Children and Adolescents
- Complete specific Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy Courses
- Attend the Annual ICWA Conference
Financial Support
- UMD BSW Child Welfare Scholars will be awarded $4,000 per semester, or $8,000 per academic year. Eligible candidates must be full-time students (12+ credits per semester).
- Students may apply for the Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars Program in their sophomore or junior year to receive support for their junior and/or senior year(s).
Student Support
- Individual and group support for all BSW Child Welfare Scholars
- Connection with other BSW and MSW Child Welfare Scholars
- Opportunities to attend specialized trainings and hear from guest speakers
- Periodic group meetings provide a place for students to discuss child welfare practice, share their experiences in the field and learn about innovative practices
Scholar Requirements
- Complete the required senior field practicum in a county, state, or tribal child welfare unit
- Upon graduation, seek and accept, if offered within three (3) months of graduation, a child welfare job in a county, state, or tribal child welfare agency
- Remain employed in a public or tribal child welfare position for a length of time equivalent to the amount of time financial support was received
How to apply to become a Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholar
If you think you are interested in becoming a child welfare scholar and you have not worked in child welfare previously, we ask that you review How the Child Welfare System Works and the Minnesota Child Welfare Framework for Competent Practice to provide you with an understanding of the field of child welfare. We then ask you to watch Child Protection Work in Minnesota: A Realistic Job Preview, which is part of the application process.
2026-2027 BSW Title IV-E Child Welfare Application Deadlines
The application deadline is February 28th, 2026. Questions? Email [email protected].
MSW Prospective Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars
The Master of Social Work Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars Program promotes the development of advanced generalist social workers, practitioners, and leaders who are committed to pursuing culturally responsive practice as they serve children and families through county, state and tribal child welfare agencies, focusing on Northern Minnesota.
Program Overview
Education and Curriculum
- Students must demonstrate a commitment to the field of tribal and/or public child welfare
- Complete:
- SW 5032 Child Welfare Practice, Policy and Profession
- SW 8031 Advanced Child Welfare Practice
- SW 5215 Trauma Informed Practice with Children and Adolescents
- Complete specific Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy Courses
- Attend the Annual ICWA Conference
Financial Support
- UMD MSW Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars in full-time status (12 or more credits per semester) will be awarded $9,000 per semester. Part-time students (11 or less credits per semester) will be awarded $750 per credit. Eligible candidates may be full or part-time students.
Student Support
- Individual and group support for all MSW Child Welfare Scholars
- Connection with other MSW and BSW Child Welfare Scholars
- Opportunities to attend specialized trainings and hear from guest speakers
- Periodic group meetings provide a place for students to talk about child welfare practice, share their experiences in the field and learn about innovative practice
Scholar Requirements
- Complete the required Advanced Practicum placement in a tribal, county, or state child welfare unit
- Upon graduation, seek and accept, if offered within 6 months of graduation, a child welfare job in a tribal, county, or state child welfare agency
- Remain employed in a tribal or public child welfare position for a length of time equivalent to the amount of time financial support was received
How to apply to become a Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholar
If you think you are interested in becoming a child welfare scholar and you have not worked in child welfare previously, we ask that you review How the Child Welfare System Works and the Minnesota Child Welfare Framework for Competent Practice to provide you with an understanding of the field of child welfare. We then ask you to watch Child Protection Work in Minnesota: A Realistic Job Preview, which is part of the application process.
2026-2027 MSW Title IV-E Child Welfare Application Deadlines
The application deadline is February 28th, 2026. Questions? Email [email protected].
Child Welfare Scholar Resources
Welcome! Here you will find the essential resources you will need to make your time both during and after the Child Welfare Scholars Program successful.
Child Welfare Scholars Handbooks
Child Welfare Scholars Forms and Helpful Links
Upon exit of the program, Child Welfare Scholars who are employed in the field must submit a Confirmation of Employment form to begin their job payback and a Completion of Employment form when they have completed their payback . Scholars who complete the job search must submit the Job Search Documentation form with accompanying documentation.
Applicable Payback Positions
Scholars are encouraged to contact the Title IV-E Child Welfare Program Director with questions regarding qualifying child welfare employment prior to accepting any child welfare position.
Contact Information
Three years post-exit from the Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars Program, all Child Welfare Scholars are required to keep the Center apprised of their contact information, as the Center may need to get in touch with Scholars from time to time. Please contact the Center at [email protected] or 218-726-7590 if you have changes in contact information.
Forms
- Child Welfare Content Form (Google Doc)
- Completion of Child Welfare Employment Form (PDF)
- Confirmation of Child Welfare Employment Form (PDF)
- Deferment of Title IV-E Obligation Form (PDF)
- Job Search Documentation Form (PDF)
- Scholar Travel Reimbursement Request (Google Form)
Helpful Links, Partners, and Other Child Welfare Resources
- Title IV-E Definition of Terms and Frequently asked questions
- Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy
- Minnesota Merit System
- Minnesota Counties Merit/Non-Merit System Map
- Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare
- Minnesota Child Welfare Framework for Competent Practice
- National Indian Child Welfare Association
- National Child Welfare Workforce Institute
- Minnesota Child Welfare Data Dashboard
Child Welfare Scholars at the 2024 ICWA Conference. Treasure Island Casino, in Prairie Island Indian Community