Western joins new initiative to increase Michigan's child welfare workforce

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A robust child welfare workforce keeps kids safe, and Western Michigan University is launching a new initiative to create a pipeline to enhance the talent pool in Michigan.

Currently, Michigan is facing a shortage of qualified workers to serve families—especially in underserved populations. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with Western and four other public universities to begin curbing the problem through the new Title IV-E Program, which provides stipends to social work students who commit to working in public, private or tribal welfare in Michigan communities after graduation.

"I'm really excited for this training program, because it gives us an opportunity to address these concerns within the system," says Dr. Anna Yelick, assistant professor of social work and Title IV-E Program coordinator at WMU. "It's really going to set our students up for success as they move into their future careers."

MDHHS has committed $1.7 million to the program, offering Title IV-E Fellows a $5,000 stipend per semester to help offset tuition. Undergraduate social work students are eligible for up to two semesters of stipends, and graduate students can receive stipends for up to four semesters.

"Supporting social work students financially as they prepare to enter the child welfare workforce is critical to the strong recruitment and retention of dedicated professionals," says Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "A program like this has the potential to attract highly motivated and capable students and ensure a workforce committed to protecting children and supporting families."

Each cohort will have access to specialized coursework that is focused on child welfare, including seminars hosted at Western and participating universities, as well as free training sessions that can offset some requirements of preservice training for child welfare professionals. Western students will also participate in a field practicum within a child welfare agency.

"Our ultimate hope is students will transition from intern into employee—that it would be seamless," Yelick says. "This really gives them a leg up because … they already have a foot in the door. They've already made connections and already have a caseload."

Other participating institutions include University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. Western's first cohort will begin in fall 2024. Those interested in participating should contact Yelick.

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