Interested in supporting California’s children, youth, and families? Consider becoming a public child welfare social worker.
The UC Berkeley Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholars (CWS) Program is for those who:
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Care deeply about children and families;
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Are a creative, compassionate problem-solver; and
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Are prepared to analyze and address the complex, systemic challenges families face in a public child welfare agency.
About Child Welfare Scholars
As a child welfare social worker, you will accompany, and advocate for, children and families as they navigate California’s public child welfare system.
Master of Social Welfare (MSW) students selected to participate as Child Welfare Scholars receive an annual training stipend (currently $25,000 per year for up to two academic years). In return, Child Welfare Scholars commit to working for at least two years in a California county public child welfare service agency post-graduation. This typically involves employment where responsibilities may include investigating reports of child abuse and neglect, assessing child safety, facilitating family reunification or permanency planning, and providing case management and supportive services to children and families involved in the child welfare system. These roles require strong clinical, advocacy, and cultural humility skills, as social workers engage directly with families navigating complex trauma, poverty, legal systems, and systemic inequities. The goal is to promote child safety, family well-being, and long-term permanency in a manner that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and consistent with state and federal child welfare mandates.