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This is a collaborative program that involves the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and eleven Kentucky universities. The program is designed to prepare social work students for employment in the field of child protective services upon graduation. If selected for the program, students will receive fully paid tuition (at the in-state rate) and a $1,300 stipend per semester for up to 4 semesters. Students will receive exceptional training, as well as participate in a comprehensive practicum experience with the Cabinet prior to graduation. Applications are accepted for admission during the Spring and Fall Semesters. 

The University Training Consortium includes the Public Child Welfare Certification Program. CWPrep (PCWCP) has been part of a statewide collaboration between the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and 11 Kentucky universities for over 20 years. Students who are interested in working with children and families should consider applying for this great opportunity. The benefits of the program include fully paid tuition, a stipend, and specialized training while earning your BSW. Upon graduation, the students will be required to maintain employment with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Service, Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) for a minimum of two years.

Students will apply for the program the semester before they have at least 3 and not more than 4 semesters to complete prior to graduation. A completed application, background checks, essays, transcripts and references are required as well as participating in an interview for acceptance. Students should contact their advisor to be sure of their graduation date is accurate and request their advisor to send a PCWCP referral to the site coordinator. Applications are accepted in Fall and Spring semester. 

For more information regarding PCWCP, please visit

CW Prep BENEFITS

• Up to 4 semesters of fully paid tuition (at in state rate)
• $1300 stipend per semester
• Specialized course work in child welfare
• A comprehensive practicum with KY DCBS
• Assistance in applying for employment with DCBS upon graduation
• Support and mentoring throughout the program

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• Upon admission to program must be a full-time BSW major
• Overall cumulative GPA minimum of 2.5
• Social Work GPA minimum of 3.0
• Must receive no less than a B in the two required PCWCP classes
• Must receive no less than a B in Practicum
• Must participate in program at least 3 and not more than 4 semesters
• Must participate in required trainings
• A commitment to working in public child welfare service

BSW majors who are interested in finding out more about this unique opportunity should contact the ÎÞÂëÇ¿¼é CWPrep Site Coordinator, Nycole Brundidge (brundidgen@nku.edu).