Title IV-E of the Social Security Act authorizes the Foster Care and Adoption Assistance programs to provide federal matching funds to states for directly administering the programs. Its objective is to improve the quality of care of children in foster care, reduce the number of children in foster care, return children to their homes as soon as conditions permit, and facilitate the adoption or permanent placement of children who cannot be returned to their homes.

There are two kinds of IV-E stipend recipients, pre-service and employee stipend. Pre-service stipend recipients are currently enrolled social work students who are not currently employed by DFPS. Employee stipend students are current DFPS employees who enroll in the School of Social Work to pursue an MSW degree.

Applicants must be in good academic standing to apply for the stipend and during the entire stipend tenure.

• BSW students must take SOWK 4315 - Child Welfare AND either SOWK 3312 Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency or SOWK 4310 Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work.
• BSW students are encouraged to study in the Texas State Spanish Language Institute.
• MSW students must take either SOWK 5315 or Social Work Intervention in Child Abuse and Neglect or SOWK 5360 -- Directed Study in Social Work.
• Both BSW and MSW students must complete a CPS internship.
• Being bilingual is preferred for both degree programs.
• All applicants must demonstrate an appreciation for cultural diversity.

• Being bilingual is preferred. All applicants must demonstrate an appreciation for cultural diversity.
• • BSW students must take SOWK 4315 – Child Welfare AND either SOWK 3312 – Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency or SOWK 4310 Social Justice in Social Work. 
  • BSW students are encouraged to study in the Texas State Spanish Language Institute. 
  • MSW students must take either SOWK 5315 – Social Work Intervention in Child Abuse and Neglect or SOWK 5360 – Directed Study in Social Work
    • BSW and MSW students must complete a CPS internship.

For current DFPS employees:

• Employees must meet all Texas State and School of Social Work admission requirements and have agency approval. 

For pre-service BSW and MSW students:

In accordance with both federal and state guidelines, each CPS region will determine specific program details (how stipend recipients are selected, trained, and placed). Each region will make the final determination in the selection of its own stipend recipients. The Department of Family and Protective Services makes the final selection.

• Pre-service students should see the Title IV-E grant specialist for current information.
• Current DFPS employees should contact their supervisors.

Yes. You must not only pass a criminal background check, but also a CPS background check. 

The number of stipends varies each semester depending on funding.  

1. For pre-service students, the stipend is $4000 for the final block placement for BSW students and $4000 for the final block placement for MSW students. Currently, the stipend is dispersed approximately six weeks into the semester from the financial aid office.
2. For current DFPS employees, tuition and fees are paid and they will receive an annual book stipend. The book stipend amount varies by contract year.
3. It should be noted that the amounts mentioned here are for this year’s contract and are subject to change with each new contract.

Child welfare workers perform a multitude of tasks in a complex setting. These may include:

• Assessments
• Testifying in court
• Case management
• Referrals to services
• Foster care and adoption management
• Community organization
• Advocacy
• Travel

You may be expected to travel to attend training. The trip will take up to two weeks and your expenses will be paid. However, you may be expected to pay a portion or all of your travel expenses up front. You will be reimbursed AFTER travel is complete.
 

For pre-service BSW and MSW students: 

The payback for the stipend is 8 calendar months of employment at DFPS for each semester in which a stipend was received.

For Current DFPS employees:

The payback or the stipend is 4 calendar months of employment for DFPS for each semester in which a stipend was received.

PLEASE NOTE: The eight months begins after the student begins employment status.

A IV-E stipend recipient who fails to complete this obligation is required by law to repay the agency for all stipend monies received.

Please refer to this web site:

If you go to the above link and click on Exempt Status of University and Other Tax Questions under FAQ and go to item 13, you will find the university statement on grant stipends.

Who should I contact for more information?

• Grant Specialist Martha Wildberger  is based in Austin, and she may be reached at 512.834.3217 or MW38@txstate.edu.
• Grant Specialist Rhonda Smith is based in San Antonio, and she may be reached at 210.337.3582 or RS32@txstate.edu.