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This research evaluated the effectiveness of the Public Child Welfare Certification Program, a specialized child welfare program delivered in bachelor of social work (BSW) curricula across the state of Kentucky. This evaluation gathered data for 10 years on satisfaction with the program, preparation for work in the state's child welfare agency, commitment to the agency, and retention. Data were collected from 199 graduates and 84 supervisors at 6 months and 2 years postgraduation. Results indicate that workers and supervisors report a high level of preparedness, as well as high levels of commitment to and retention with the agency. Supervisor support, coworker support, and personal/professional stress were mediators of commitment to the agency. Implications for child welfare practice and social work education are discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)

This research evaluated the effectiveness of the Public Child Welfare Certification Program, a specialized child welfare program delivered in bachelor of social work (BSW) curricula across the state of Kentucky. This evaluation gathered data for 10 years on satisfaction with the program, preparation for work in the state's child welfare agency commitment to the agency. and retention. Data were collected from 199 graduates and 84 supervisors at 6 months and 2 years postgraduation. Results indicate that workers and supervisors report a high level of preparedness, as well as high levels of commitment to and retention with the agency. Supervisor support, coworker support, and personal/professional stress were mediators of commitment to the agency. Implications for child welfare practice and social work education are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we provide an overview of existing university-agency partnerships in child welfare. Then we discuss in detail one state's extension of its partnership approach to enhancing professional development system via an initiative called Credit for Learning, where child welfare workers are able to meet agency training requirements while earning graduate course credit that can be applied towards a master's degree in social work. Knowledge gained from the experience of developing and implementing this initiative is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]