Title IV-E Child Welfare Education and Training Program
Title IV-E Child Welfare Education and Training Program
Apply for the Title IV-E Program through the online form below.
The Title IV-E Child Welfare Education and Training Program is a competitive stipend program. There are limited spots and not all students that apply will be accepted. It is a rigorous selection process; therefore, applicants want to be sure they are submitting complete, high quality applications to be considered.
The intent of the program is to support public child welfare education and training to build and retain a competent, stable workforce to enhance the delivery of public child welfare services to families and children in foster care and/or going through adoption. The field of child welfare is not for everyone. Please be sure to explore resources related to the profession to help determine whether you are a good fit before you formally apply.
The Georgia State University, School of Social Work partners with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in various counties across the state. Students obtain their BSW and/or MSW degree here in the School of Social Work and complete their field education component working in direct public child welfare practice at a designated DFCS office.
All Title IV-E students are contractually obligated to work for DFCS one year for every academic year of Title IV-E Funding. Current DFCS employees/S.E.E.D. applicants are required to remain at DFCS for one additional year of employment for every academic year of Title IV-E funding.
Preparing Future Child Welfare Professionals
Title IV-E funding is the major source of funding from the federal government that is earmarked for the education and training of the child welfare workforce across the United States. The Title IV-E Child Welfare Education and Training Programs were first initiated in 1980 with the passing of the Child Welfare and Adoption Assistance Act (P.L. 96-272). The Title IV-E funding provides financial support to (1) current public child welfare staff wanting to return to school to acquire an advanced degree (usually an MSW) to improve their child welfare practice and, (2) students admitted into BSW or MSW programs who are seeking a long-term career in the field of child welfare.
The Georgia State University (GSU), School of Social Work (SSW) Title IV-E Program, in partnership with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), is committed to the development of a stable, competent and professional, child welfare workforce to better serve and strengthen families and to improve child well-being.
My name is Michele Hammond. I am a California native, married with six adult children and 4 granddaughters. I have worked in child welfare for over 25 years and it has been my privilege to share my child welfare knowledge and expertise.
To increase the number of current public child welfare employees with BSW and MSW degrees from colleges and universities in the state of Georgia.
- To prepare BSW and MSW graduates with the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for employment in the state’s child welfare system.
- To increase the number of BSW and MSW job ready graduates who seek and obtain employment in DFCS child welfare positions.
- To improve retention rates of BSW and MSW IV-E students and graduates employed with DFCS.
Title IV-E students are eligible to receive their fall and spring tuition paid for in full each semester that they are enrolled in the program. Summer tuition is based on availability of funding each year.
Students will receive a stipend to assist with books, mileage and other living expenses each semester in which they are enrolled in the program.
Students may be eligible to apply for travel funds to attend and participate in child welfare related conferences based on availability of funding.
Students applying for the Title IV-E program should have completed and passed SW 4490/8490 & SW 4450/8450 and be eligible for field placement. Further requirements are based upon DFCS employment eligibility.
The Title IV-E Program Application is a multi-step process involving Georgia State University and the Georgia Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS). A written application, interview, and orientation session are required for all participants.
Questions about the Title IV-E Program? Contact Simone Robinson via email at the link below.
Click the link below to apply for the Title IV-E Program through the Georgia Department of Family & Children Services.
Get information on your status in the program via the Georgia Title IV-E Education Program Portal.