Building China’s Social Service Capacity: Lessons Learned from Professional Training Program Collaborations

Abstract

Both the general economy and the provision of social services have grown in recent years in China. An opportunity has evolved for U.S.-based schools of social work to collaborate with counterparts in China to provide social service training and professional development programs. This article describes the lessons learned from two such programs that were developed, implemented, and evaluated by a continuing education division of a U.S. school of social work in conjunction with a Chinese university. Evaluation data are presented from the Training Skills Certificate Program (TSCP) and the Non-governmental Organization Leadership Development Program (NGO-LDP). The development and delivery processes of both of these programs are also explained. Implications for similar cross-cultural training programs are discussed. This article aims to provide a basic roadmap for U.S.-based social work institutions seeking to help China develop its capacity in social service delivery by way of training and professional development of the social service workforce.

Keywords:

• capacity building
• China
• professional development
• social work education
• training
• workforce

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors wish to thank the Huamin Charity Foundation in Beijing, China, for providing partial funding for the training initiatives described herein. Additionally, the authors recognize the support of the China Philanthropy Research Institute at Beijing Normal University in helping to carry out these programs.