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CWTAP BASW Fact Sheet

CWTAP (The Child Welfare Training & Advancement Program) at the UW School of Social Work Seattle promotes training excellence for Washington State’s child welfare workforce through the financial support of social work students and professionals. This state-funded partnership links the resources of the UW School of Social Work, Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence, and the state’s Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). In 2023, CWTAP launched a pilot program for BASW students, offering CWTAP to BASW students for the first time.

Once students complete their BASW studies, they commit to either seeking employment with the DCYF and agreeing to work for a period of time equal to the time they received financial assistance or completing their MSW and participating in CWTAP before obtaining DCYF employment.

2023 CWTAP BASW Pilot Program

  • Five out of eight BASW students were accepted in 2023
  • Students were placed in two DCYF offices
  • Upon graduation, four students were hired by DCYF, and one student was accepted into the UW MSW Program where they will continue in CWTAP as an MSW student.

Benefits of joining CWTAP

  • Tuition Reimbursement: Financial support for your education. 
  • CWTAP Educational Seminars: Receive specialized learning opportunities from subject matter experts in various social work and child welfare related topics. 
  • UW Faculty Field Instructor: Weekly clinical supervision from experienced professionals with a background in public child welfare/ DCYF.
  • Employment Preparation: Prepare for your career with tailored support. 
  • Post-Graduate Support/Mentorship: Continued guidance after graduation.
  • Statewide Student Institute: Participate in a student-led professional conference. 
  • Specialized Community Trainings: Enhance your skills with targeted training.

BASW CWTAP graduates will also gain valuable experience in:

  • Court Systems: Navigating legal processes with a focus on justice. 
  • Mental Health: Supporting individuals and families. 
  • Early Learning: Promoting developmental growth in young children. 
  • System Coordination: Integrating services across sectors. 
  • Vulnerable Populations: Working with those facing significant challenges. 
  • Diverse Communities: Addressing multicultural needs. 
  • Complex Trauma: Specializing in trauma care.