The Child Welfare Stipend Program provides financial assistance to students dedicated to Child Welfare who are pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work. Stipend recipients must follow the Child Welfare Curriculum while in the Master's program and must work for the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES)/Child Protective Services (CPS) upon graduation from the program.

Stipend Packages

There are 3 different stipend packages available. 

• Package A provides in-state graduate tuition and mandatory fees for both academic years of the MSW program and $550.00/month for each of the 9 month academic years.  Students receiving this package are contracted to work full-time for AZ DES/CPS for a minimum of 24 months.   
• Package B1 and B2 provide in-state graduate tuition and mandatory fees for three academic semesters and for two 5 week summer sessions (for the 3 credits of field only), and $550.00/month for 18 continous months.  Students receiving this package are contracted to work full-time for AZ DES/CPS for a minimum of 24 months.     
• Package C is for Advanced Standing students.  It provides in-state graduate tuition and mandatory fees for the two 5 week summer sessions (for the 3 credits of bridge course only) and for the 9 month academic year, and $550.00/month for 12 continuous months.  Students receiving this package are contracted to work full-time for AZ DES/CPS for a minimum of 18 months.   

Detailed information can be found here:  Stipend Packages         

Requirements of the Stipend Program

• Be a full-time student in the MSW program in good standing
• Sign a stipend contract with the Department of Economic Security
• Complete the Child Welfare Curriculum
• Complete a field placement at a Child Welfare Training Unit
• Be willing and able to work full-time for DES/CPS in AZ for either 18 months (advanced standing students) or 24 months (standard program students) upon graduation with the geographic location being dependent upon the agency's need
• Meet the essential DES/CPS work requirements

• Pass a DES background check including fingerprinting, screening through the state child abuse registry, and not have a DUI within the past 5 years
• Have a valid driver's license, insurance, and a vehicle capable of transporting at least two passengers
• Be able to visually assess children and homes for signs of abuse and neglect
• Be able to conduct home visits to homes which may not be wheelchair accessible
• Be able to document and communicate using a computer
• Be able to interview children and adults in English

Note: Though not being able to fulfill all of these functions does not automatically rule out any applicant, it is important for DES to know whether or not reasonable accommodations can be be made. Any needed accommodations should be explained on the Stipend Application Form.