Overview
The Division of Family Services (DCFS), a division of the Department of Health and Humans Services (DHHS) partners with the ASU Title IV-E Academic Partnership for Public Child Welfare to recruit students who show strong commitment to children and families and have expressed the interest in working as a Family Service Worker Trainee upon graduation. Family Service Workers at DCFS work with the parents of children who have been abused and/or neglected. These professionals investigate allegations of abuse and/or neglect and provide an array of social services to assist parents so children can either remain safely in their home or be returned to their home safely from foster care or other out of home placements.

Eligibility
DCFS offers a limited number of stipends ($2500 per semester for up to two semesters) to senior bachelor level social work students. In order to receive a stipend, students must be in good standing academically, enroll in a field placement during their senior year at a DCFS county office and pass criminal, child abuse, drug and safe driver clearances necessary to work at DCFS. In addition, they must have an interview and receive a recommendation from the Area Manager of DCFS. Students are also required to complete the Child Abuse and Neglect course offered through the Arkansas State University Department of Social Work. In order to receive the stipend, they also must enter into a legal agreement to work for DCFS for a minimum of one year immediately upon graduation.

Application Process
If you are interested, please contact Trish Holt, IV-E Field Trainer and Stipend Program Coordinator, at ASU at 972-3984 for an initial interview during the spring of your junior year in the social work program. Application materials can be requested from Ms. Holt or may be accessed on the Title IV-E website.