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Abstract
The task of recruiting and retaining ethnically diverse, qualified, and committed social workers in child welfare is challenging. Federal funding supporting BSW and MSW education has been a catalyst for university–agency partnerships across the country. An important goal of these partnerships is to prepare social work students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies for effective child welfare practice. The National Child Welfare Workforce Institute’s innovative child welfare traineeships program prepares students from 12 social work programs around the country. This study focused on diversity, competency attainment, and readiness for the job. Results showed that programs recruited ethnically diverse students, and after receiving child welfare–specific content and hands-on experiences in the field, students felt competent and prepared for child welfare work.
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Notes on contributors
Robin Leake
Robin Leake is research associate professor, and Anna de Guzman is research assistant III at the University of Denver.
Anna de Guzman
Robin Leake is research associate professor, and Anna de Guzman is research assistant III at the University of Denver.
Shauna Rienks
Shauna Rienks is research assistant professor at the University of Denver.
Gretchen Archer
Gretchen Archer is teaching specialist at Michigan State University.
Cathryn Potter
Cathryn Potter is dean of the school of social work at Rutgers University.