DCF Child Welfare Workforce Training Program

Program Background

The UConn School of Social Work has a longstanding partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families (DCF) to create a more diverse, professionally trained, master level public child welfare workforce. The DCF Child Welfare Workforce Training Program aims to build a pipeline for a professionally trained workforce to serve children and families involved with DCF. A cohort of up to five MSW students will receive a $4,000 scholarship and specialized classroom and practicum training to work at a Connecticut DCF office once their MSW degree is completed.

Program Requirements

Student Eligibility:

  • Interest in child welfare
  • Minimum 3.0 CUM GPA
  • Individuals, Groups, and Families (IGFP) advanced year placement or advanced standing students (non-DCF employees)
    • Hartford Campus students entering their advanced year in Fall 2026
    • Online students entering their advanced year in Fall 2026
    • Meet UConn and practicum agency requirements
  • Spanish-speaking students preferred

Application Process:

  • Complete application form and include a 2 page essay outlining your interest and/or experience in child welfare and working with diverse populations, an unofficial transcript, and a resume.
  • Deadline: TBA

    Eligible applicants will be selected for an interview with the program leadership team to determine acceptance to the program.

    Student Requirements:

    • Maintain a minimum 3.0 CUM GPA and remain in good academic standing
    • Complete a background screening – CPS, fingerprinting, and driver’s license check, and practicum at a Connecticut DCF area office
    • Enroll in one of the approved child welfare courses:
      • HBEL 5381- Child Maltreatment: History, Theory, Prevention, and Intervention or
      • SWEL 5318- Core Concepts of Child and Adolescent Trauma
    • Accept a position for employment at DCF in Connecticut, if offered, and remain employed at DCF for two years
      • If DCF employment is not offered or available within 3 months after graduation, graduates are not obligated to wait for a DCF position
      • Return or repay the DCF portion ($2,000) of the scholarship if the requirements and the conferral of the MSW degree are not met

    Scholarships are disbursed once grades are posted for the fall ($2,000) and spring ($2,000) semesters.

    More Information

    Questions: Contact sswstrategic@uconn.edu