_{Deadline: December 15th}

Applications now open! Apply here. 

The Child Welfare Workforce Training program will prepare BSW students with specialized knowledge and experience in child welfare and protection services to meet the needs of Connecticut families served by the state Department of Children and Families (DCF). Students will receive a total stipend of $4,000, paid in two equal installments after the successful completion of each semester of their senior year.

Student Eligibility:

• Have an interest in child welfare
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 and remain in good academic standing
• Meet UConn and DCF’s internship requirements
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Commit to working at DCF upon graduation

Watch the videos below to learn more about what it’s like to work at DCF and hear directly from employees about what inspires them to stay, grow, and remain committed to this important work.

For more information, contact: sswstrategic@uconn.edu

For questions regarding DCF, contact: Kristine Rivera, LCSW  kristine.rivera@ct.gov

Application Process

• Complete the application and include the required documents.
• Eligible applicants will be selected for an interview.

Program Requirements

• Maintain a minimum 2.7 CUM GPA and remain in good academic standing
• Successfully complete required background screenings, including CPS, fingerprinting, and driver's license checks, and complete a practicum placement at a Connecticut DCF office
• Enroll in and complete SSW 5410- Child Maltreatment: History, Theory, Prevention, and Intervention
• Students will sign a DCF contract agreeing to work for DCF for two years upon successful completion of their degree and hiring process.

DCF Stipend Obligation

• Return or repay the DCF portion of the full $4,000 if the student does not graduate and/or complete all program requirements.
• Repay the DCF portion of the full $4,000 stipend if the two-year employment commitment (e.g., termination of employment by DCF or voluntarily leaving) is not fulfilled.
• Notify the DCF Academy in writing within five (5) calendar days of any change in name or address, until the work commitment or stipend is fulfilled.

If the student is not hired within three (3) months of completing their degree, the student's commitment to work at DCF shall be void, and no request will be made to repay the stipend. However, students who do not complete their BSW program or do not remain employed with DCF for the stated two (2) years shall reimburse DCF within ninety (90) days of DCF's demand for reimbursement for the full or prorated amount of the stipend.

BSW graduates must complete the steps within the normal DCF hiring process. Should the student immediately apply to the Advanced Standing MSW program, DCF shall offer the student an opportunity to apply three (3) months after completion of the MSW degree.