NCWWI Tribal Traineeship Programs: Promoting Diversity in the Child Welfare Workforce

Abstract

Twelve universities and one American Indian (AI) tribal college were selected for the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute’s 5-year stipend traineeship program. These tribal traineeships were designed to provide social work child welfare education for tribal and nontribal students. Twenty-two AI students and 58 nontribal students completed a bachelor or master’s of social work degree. The students’ field placements were in tribal agencies or public agencies that served a segment of the AI population. These programs were enhanced through the use of valuable relationships (i.e., partnerships, mentorships, allies), and cultural competence was a key aspect of the students’ education. The students’ education was enriched with a specific child welfare curriculum, cultural teachings, tribal traineeship collaborations, and tribal community events.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Suzanne L. Cross

Suzanne L. Cross is associate professor emeritus at Michigan State University.

Virginia Drywater-Whitekiller

Virginia Drywater-Whitekiller is professor at Northeastern State University.

Lea Ann Holder

Lea Ann Holder is instructor at Portland State University.

Debra Norris

Debra Norris is associate professor at the University of South Dakota.

James Caringi

James Caringi is associate professor at the University of Montana.

Ashley Trautman

Ashley Trautman is an MSW graduate student from the University of Montana.