State and Tribal title IV-E agencies have access to Federal funds through title IV-E of the Social Security Act to apply toward the educational training of current and prospective child welfare professionals to support the provision of allowable title IV-E activities for title IV-E eligible children. To administer these funds, child welfare agencies have partnered with universities to offer social work or degree programs with specialized training, placements, and financial incentives to build and strengthen the child welfare workforce. These training programs, commonly called “stipend programs,” have become vital in promoting child welfare workforce development. They have been shown to improve child welfare professionals’ recruitment, retention, and preparedness.
WHAT ARE TITLE IV-E STIPEND PROGRAMS?
One purpose of title IV-E of the Social Security Act, which was established under the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980, is to make Federal matching funding available to State and Tribal title IV-E agencies as reimbursement for expenditures on the development and provision of educational training programs that cover allowable Title IV-E activities. To administer these funds, title IV-E agencies partner with universities to offer degree-granting child welfare training programs. These academic programs are nearly universally required in social work, but that is not a requirement of the Federal program. Although specific formats vary, these stipend programs provide a variety of academic benefits and financial supports to incentivize current child welfare agency staff to pursue education in child welfare and to encourage prospective professionals to enter child welfare with a relevant degree.
Students in stipend programs can access enhanced social work curricula and specialized training in child welfare topics. This may include coursework in innovative approaches to child welfare practice, access to professional seminars and symposia, or advanced training. Internships or placements with mentorship opportunities at county, State, or Tribal child welfare agencies are often included or required. Financial assistance is most often offered as stipends that can be used to cover part or all of the tuition for the degree being pursued. Some programs provide compensation or reimbursement for expenses like books, travel, fees, and other costs.