Child Welfare Training Project Coordinator
Principal Investigator
The Child Welfare Training Project
NAU Social Work students work with Arizona DCS to make a difference
The Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Project (CWTP) at NAU is a collaborative effort between the Northern Arizona University Department of Social Work and the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). Directed by Principal Investigator, Dr. Natalie Cawood, “the mission of the CWTP is to prepare social work students to be effective child welfare specialists, who are able to promote the well-being of the children and families at risk for abuse and neglect”.
The project recruits and trains master and bachelor-level social workers to be competent Child Protective Service professionals.
BSW participants receive payment of their in-state tuition for up to two years.
MSW participants receive payment of their tuition and social work program fees for up to two years, as well as a $500 monthly stipend. Students in the MSW, 2 year program can receive a stipend for a maximum of 20 months. Students in the MSW, Advanced Standing program can receive a stipend for a maximum of 12 months.
In exchange, students contractually agree to work full-time in Arizona’s DCS upon graduation. The work commitment is between depending on the level of tuition assistance received. A BSW student has a work commitment of 12-24 months based on the credit hours completed while under contract. A MSW, Advanced Standing student has a work obligation of 2 years. A MSW, 2-year student has a 3-year work obligation. This tuition assistance represents an investment in the DCS workforce and in the vulnerable families of Arizona.
Funding provided by the Child Welfare Field Education and Student Support Project, a Title IV-E grant.