Department of Social Work Education

BASW Title IV-E Child Welfare Program

Requirements and Eligibility

The Title IV-E Program remains active. Stipends are contingent upon state and federal funding availability each year, and at this time we do not yet have confirmation of stipend availability for the 2027–2028 academic year.

We encourage all interested students to apply regardless, once the window opens.

If funding is not confirmed, we will not be able to offer stipends to students; however, if you do not apply, you will not be considered even if funding does become available. We will share updates on stipend opportunities as funding information becomes available.

 

Title IV-E Child Welfare Education BASW Program Application

Thank you for your interest in the Title IV-E Child Welfare Education BASW Program. Please follow the instructions below carefully to complete your application.

APPLICATIONS Will be accepted starting in November 6, 2026. 

  1. Submission Requirements:Complete the application in one sitting; it cannot be saved for later. 
    For your reference, print or download this blank PDF: BASW Application 2026  to gather the necessary documents in advance.

  2. Filling Out the Application:Complete all sections using the MM/DD/YYYY format for dates and a US phone number (XXX-XXX-XXXX).
    If a section does not apply, type "N/A." For questions regarding phone numbers or dates, use your actual phone number or today's date.

  3. Program Eligibility:Part-Time Program Priority: Non-county employees may also be considered for the Part-time program; however, employees from qualifying agencies (CWS, DSS, CDSS, or Tribal agencies) have priority.
    County employees can only apply for the Part-Time Program.

  4. Document Uploads:Please see the document upload requirements on the application landing page. Ensure you have all these files and documents ready for upload when starting the application.
    Upload required documents as you complete each section of the application. 

  5. Personal Statement: Download this BASW Personal Statement Questions MS WORD template.
    Carefully follow the instructions, and include all necessary information.
    Save it as a PDF using the file naming format:"Your-fullname-pers-statement.pdf" (e.g., maria-cruz-pers-statement.pdf) and upload it to the appropriate section.

  6. Reference Letters
    An email* will be sent to your reference with a link to complete the reference form once your application is submitted.Non-County Employees: A professor, advisor, or work supervisor may complete the online reference form*.
    County Employees:Your County Supervisor/Program Manager shall complete the online reference form*.
    Letter of Support (County Employees only) from your County Director (Upon Acceptance into the IV-E Program)

  7. Avoid Duplicates:Apply only once to prevent complications.
    If you need to correct a previously submitted application, don't hesitate to get in touch with Maxine Watson at maxinew@mail.fresnostate.edu or Cheryl Whittle at cherylw@mail.fresnostate.edu. 

  8. Contact Information:
    If you have questions or need assistance during the application process, feel free to reach out via email: Maxine Watson at maxinew@mail.fresnostate.edu or Cheryl Whittle at cherylw@mail.fresnostate.edu

 

  • Full time stipend recipients must have completed required eligibility criteria.
  • Priority will be given to current public child welfare employees and applicants who reflect the diverse client populations currently served by child welfare agencies in California.
  • County employee applicants must have a letter of support prepared by their County Director approving their participation in the program.
  • Only current county employees may participate in the part-time program.

The BA-SW Child Welfare (Title IV-E) Social Work Program provides full-time undergraduate students entering in their senior year of field internship, who are preparing for careers directed toward child welfare practice with one year of financial support at $20,270 per year. 

Part-Time Program – Part-time students are provided the cost of tuition, books, and paid mileage for a max of $13,350 per year for two years. Admittance to the part-time program is limited to current employees of CWS, DSS, or CDSS who may enter in their junior year

  • Enrollment, attendance, and participation in SWRK 128 Child Welfare course.
  • Enrollment in child welfare field internship placement.
  • Service Requirement via one year of full-time employment within a county child welfare agency after graduation.

  • Completion of Pre-Social Work Major Courses with a GPA of 2.7 or better.
  • Declared major in Social Work with a cumulative GPA of 2.50.
  • Completion of general education and upper division requirements by the end of the junior year if attending full-time.
  • Completion of general education requirements up to the junior year if attending on part-time basis.
  • Completion of upper division writing course.
  • Clearance from your advisor and field placement interview with the Field Coordinator if eligible to participate in field internship.

For further information contact our Title IV-E office

Phone: 559.278.3076
Office: PHS 115