Through a longstanding partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families (DCF) the UConn School of Social Work helps prepare the next generation of public child welfare professionals. The DCF Child Welfare Workforce Training Program provides up to five MSW students with a $4,000 scholarship and specialized training designed to prepare them for careers supporting children and families involved with DCF.

This program and funding are subject to change. 

 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.

Student Eligibility:

• Interest in child welfare
• Minimum 3.0 CUM GPA
• MSW Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration students (non-DCF employees) 
  • Hartford and Stamford Campus advanced year or advanced standing
  • Online advanced year (second year) of practicum
  • Advanced Standing (AS) Online 
  • Meet UConn and practicum agency requirements

Preference is given to Connecticut residents and students who are fluent in Spanish.

Application Process:

• Complete the application and include a statement of interest.
• Eligible applicants will be selected for an interview.

Student Requirements:

• Maintain a minimum 3.0 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 successfully complete SSW 5410- Child Maltreatment: History, Theory, Prevention, and Intervention
• 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