The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work’s Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program is preparing students to enter the workforce with the skills and experience needed to support children and families in complex situations.
Designed to address workforce needs in public child welfare systems, the federally funded program combines classroom instruction with hands-on field placements in agencies such as Child Protective Services.
Students gain direct experience in case management, court processes and policy implementation while working with children and families navigating challenges such as maltreatment, substance use and other barriers.
“The Title IV-E program integrates coursework with hands-on field placements in public child welfare agencies, allowing students to apply theory directly to practice,” said Dr. Scott Ryan, a professor at the UTA School of Social Work and principle investigator for the Title IV-E Child Welfare Partnership Project.
“Students gain experience with case management, court processes, policy implementation and working with children and families in complex situations, which builds both competence and confidence for professional practice.”
Kimberly Evans, Title IV-E child welfare coordinator at the UTA School of Social Work, discusses the program withs students. (Courtesy Photo)
Unlike traditional social work pathways, the Title IV-E program is specifically structured to create a direct pipeline into public service. Through targeted coursework, agency-based internships and a post-graduation employment commitment, students are prepared to transition seamlessly into child welfare roles.
“Title IV-E is explicitly designed to meet the workforce needs of public child welfare systems,” Ryan said. “It combines targeted child welfare curricula, agency-based internships and a post-graduation employment commitment, creating a direct pipeline from education to public service.”
The program also provides financial support to help students remain focused on their academic and professional training. The stipend offsets educational expenses and allows participants to complete intensive field placements that might otherwise be difficult to manage.
Graduates of the program commonly pursue careers as caseworkers, permanency specialists and foster care workers. Over time, many advance into leadership roles, including supervision, administration and policy development within child welfare systems.
As agencies across the country face staffing shortages and increased service demands, programs like Title IV-E play a critical role in strengthening the workforce.
“The program helps address critical workforce shortages, high turnover and increasing service demands in child welfare agencies,” Ryan said. “By preparing well-trained, committed professionals who are ready to serve immediately, Title IV-E strengthens workforce stability, improves service quality and supports better outcomes for children and families.”