ULM child welfare program one of seven statewide to receive grant funds | ULM Forum 1-13-12

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The field of Social Work is one that is seeing a renewal. In the early 90’s, nearly a third of the field was looking toward retirement. But now, due to better advocacy and the government’s investment in college programs, that’s changing.

The Social Work Program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe is one of seven programs in the state awarded funding in the Title 4-E Welfare Program, which provides top students with child welfare training, and a job with the state after graduation.

Savage

Title IV-E Coordinator Andrea Savage says the program is helpful in developing the next generation of social workers in child welfare.

Currently, the child welfare grant and the La Scholar program award stipends in the amount of $6,500 to six deserving students on a competitive basis.

While interning, these students receive the same training as DCFS workers, leaving them with on-the-job training experience and teachable moments that cannot be gained in the classroom.

The grant does more than just help students gain the necessary training to become social workers.

The grant provides travel to national conferences for faculty and students, and allows for the ULM Social Work Department to host one to two "Families in Focus Seminars" yearly. It also helps purchase office supplies for the ULM Social Work Department along with books and computers.

The "Families in Focus Seminars" offer training to area social workers and other professionals.

Those who present at these conferences are often nationally known for their expertise in child welfare and other topics of importance to social workers and human service providers.

More information about the Title IV-E Grant program at ULM is avaiable from the Office of Public Information here, or about the ULM Social Work program at www.ulm.edu.

Air Date: Fri, 01/13/2012