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Family Services / Child Welfare Stipend Program / CWSP Frequently Asked Questions
The Child Welfare Stipend Program helps prepare the next generation of social workers to serve Virginia’s children and families. Through university partnerships, eligible students can receive financial support for their education in exchange for a commitment to work in foster care, adoption and/or in-home services after graduation. This page answers common questions about how the program works, what funding is available and what to expect from the service commitment.
Review the FAQs below to find clear answers about eligibility, funding and service commitments for the Child Welfare Stipend Program.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is Title IV-E? | Title IV-E is a federal program that helps strengthen foster care. It funds services that keep children safe, support families and provide permanent homes. It also helps train future child welfare workers through university partnerships in 34 states, including Virginia. |
| How many stipends are awarded each year? | Up to 79 full-time stipends are awarded annually across the participating universities. The exact number changes depending on how many students graduate or continue in the program. |
| How much funding do students receive? | Each student receives $10,000 per academic year ($5,000 per semester). The stipend can be applied toward tuition, fees and books. |
| How are students selected? | Students apply through their university’s School of Social Work. Applications include essays, references and a panel interview. University faculty and local social services representatives review each application carefully before making selections. |
| What is the work commitment after graduation? | For every year of stipend funding ($10,000), students commit to one year of full-time work in foster care, adoption and/or in-home services at a Virginia local department of social services (LDSS). The job must begin within six months of graduation. |
| What if I can’t find a job near where I live? | Students must be open to working anywhere in Virginia to meet the commitment. To avoid repayment, you’ll need to keep records of your job search and stay in close contact with your University Coordinator for guidance. |
| When would I need to repay the stipend? | Repayment is required if a student does not graduate, does not secure a qualifying job, leaves before completing their work commitment or becomes ineligible for employment (for example, not passing background checks or not holding a valid driver’s license). |
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