California’s Title IV-E Partnership: A Statewide University–Agency Collaboration—Characteristics and Implications for Replication

Abstract

University–agency partnerships funded by Title IV-E encourage students to enter the child welfare field by providing student stipends, thus supporting child welfare agency workforce development. This article examines the literature and historical roots of Title IV-E and other partnerships, identifies common structures and outcomes, and discusses the extent to which a structured development and change process supports the California partnership’s core mission to integrate the education and practice communities in child welfare. The partnership is teleological in nature, using a social exchange approach to advance mutuality and a full spectrum of benefits for universities and agencies. Models and best practice elements are presented as examples of how university–agency partnerships may enhance child welfare service delivery.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christine Mathias

Christine Mathias is assistant director at California State University, Fresno. Elizabeth Gilman is curriculum and policy analyst, Carolyn Shin is interim director, and William Todd Evans is a graduate student researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.

Elizabeth Gilman

Christine Mathias is assistant director at California State University, Fresno. Elizabeth Gilman is curriculum and policy analyst, Carolyn Shin is interim director, and William Todd Evans is a graduate student researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.

Carolyn Shin

Christine Mathias is assistant director at California State University, Fresno. Elizabeth Gilman is curriculum and policy analyst, Carolyn Shin is interim director, and William Todd Evans is a graduate student researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.

William Todd Evans

Christine Mathias is assistant director at California State University, Fresno. Elizabeth Gilman is curriculum and policy analyst, Carolyn Shin is interim director, and William Todd Evans is a graduate student researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.