Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholar Stipend Program

The goal of the ULM Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholar Stipend Program is to ensure the preparation of future graduates for competent practice in Child Protection, Family Services, Foster Care, Adoptions & Home Development. Established in 1995, the ULM Scholar Stipend Program became one of seven universities in Louisiana, contracted by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to achieve this goal.
 

Mission

To attract and prepare potential employees for a career in public child welfare in Louisiana.

To embrace and expand child centered, family focused strengths-based child welfare practice methods, evidence-based child welfare practice methods and accountability.

To support current LA DCFS employees in continued professional development to enhance their child welfare skills and careers.
 

Purpose

To train and prepare undergraduate Social Work Students for competent child welfare practice and a career committed to constant betterment of services for protection of children from maltreatment.

To encourage LA DCFS Workers to return to higher education to further their own professionalism as well as that of the agency.

To contribute to the knowledge base of child welfare practice and effective collaboration for children and families through training, evaluation, research, presentations and publications by ULM Social Work Faculty & Staff.
 

What is the Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholar Stipend Program at ULM?

The Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholar Stipend Program encourages undergraduate Social Work Students to prepare for a block placement internship and a career in public child welfare. The LA DCFS provides placements in one of the state sponsored family services, foster care, adoptions, and child protection services programs.

ULM Students who participate are selected annually on a competitive basis. They submit applications during the Spring Semester, which includes a selection screening process composed of LA DCFS Supervisors, University Alliance Liaisons, and ULM Faculty & Staff. Once selected, scholars receive a $7,500 stipend, complete a block field placement in a LA DCFS Office, and are required to apply for the Child Welfare Specialist Trainee position upon graduating to fulfill a one-year work obligation. Upon working for the agency 2 years, the employee may apply for assistance with tuition, books and technology through the Child Welfare Employee MSW Educational Support Program.

If you are a junior with an overall gpa of 2.7 (or better) and a 3.0+ gpa in your Social Work courses and is interested in applying, please contact Mrs. Andrea Black, Title IV-E Child Welfare Coordinator at (318) 342-1457 or asavage@ulm.edu or come by 234 Strauss Hall.

 

Forms

Title IV-E Application