Child Welfare Training - Graduate Students
Graduate students selected for the Montana Child Welfare Training Partnership receive $15,000 over two years. After graduation, the students agree to work for the Montana Child & Family Services Division (CFSD) for two years, starting within six months of graduation. CFSD and the Center work with students to help find an appropriate placement.
CFSD employees can receive a total of $30,000 for two years in the 91´ÎÔª MSW program. These CFSD employees must be accepted into the program and have the approval of their regional administrator.
The program provides additional training opportunities for the selected students — building additional competencies for practice in public child welfare settings. Students work directly with professionals in foster care programs, adoption assistance, and group home care, and build skills for working with professionals in medical, educational, and judicial fields.
The terms and conditions of the agreement between eligible students and the 91´ÎÔª will be designated under the federal requirements for educational assistance under Title IV-E.
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To be eligible, graduate students must be:
- Finished with their first year in the MSW program
- In good academic standing with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the School of Social Work
- Able to commit to employment with CFSD after graduation. Six months of employment are required for each semester of the stipend.
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Students selected for the program take classes to build a substantial body of knowledge in public child welfare. Students must receive a grade of B or better in each of the required classes:
- Social Work & Psychopathology (SW 552)
- Couples & Families Counseling (SW 595)
- Three credits in approved electives
Coursework in human behavior, policy, social work methods and family systems prepares students for the required practicum in child welfare with the Montana Child & Family Services Division (CFSD). All participants are required to complete a two-semester practicum at CFSD.
Selected students must remain in good standing within their academic major to continue in the program, or they will be expected to repay the amount of financial support they received.
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This opportunity is based on employment with the Montana Child & Family Services Division (CFSD). The work agreement is generally two years — that's six months of employment for each semester the student receives the stipend.
Participants must accept a job with CFSD within six months of graduation. CFSD jobs are located all over the state, and the Center and CFSD will work with each student to find a placement that is a good fit. For questions about job placements, contact Kerrie Ghenie at kerrie.ghenie@mso.umt.edu.
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