On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Department of Social Work joined a partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
This program includes a child welfare stipend, allowing social work students to receive upwards of $5,000–$15,000 per semester in stipends in exchange for a post-graduate commitment to work for MDHS serving under-resourced communities.
For students to qualify, they must meet the following requirements: Be a senior in the social work program pursuing a bachelor’s degree, take two courses specific to the child welfare field, including Children’s Services in Social Work, a three-credit-hour course and Legal Aspects of Social Work, also a three-credit-hour course. Students must also complete a 480-hour internship in their senior year at MDHS.
The program consists of students being taught and mentored by faculty who have experience in child welfare, alongside child welfare workers themselves, while completing their internship.
Students will gain hands-on experience and develop skills to cope with the tough realities and situations that come with being a social worker.
They will get a first-hand look at different roles and responsibilities within the child welfare system, such as training assessments, building bonds with children and families, and learning about laws, protocols and policy. Students will also take a deep dive into the National Association of Social Workers’ code of ethics.
The program is designed to address the shortage of child welfare workers across the state of Michigan.
Social Work program director Carrie Thompson talked more about what this partnership is and how it began.
“It all got started seven years ago, that’s how long it has taken to work out the details between the state and the University of Michigan.”
Tompson said MDHS approached Michigan universities years ago, looking for ways to recruit and better train child welfare workers. Tompson explained that areas such as CPS, foster care, and adoption need more attention and that there is a shortage of workers. She also recognizes the struggle social workers face and the toll it can take on their mental health.
“The field of child welfare can be extremely difficult, working with children and families in challenging situations,” Thompson said. “If a student or worker is not adequately trained for the position, the turnover rate in these positions can be extremely high, which is hard for the agency but, more importantly, for the children and families involved in the system.”
This partnership is helping put this matter at the forefront. The goal is to increase discussions within the social work program early on to attract students who are interested in child welfare and provide them with the additional resources they need to be successful. Other goals she has in mind include hosting events such as a book club and inviting guest speakers who specialize in specific aspects of child welfare.
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, as of late 2025, more than 328,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system. About 18,500 youth age out annually without permanent families. Roughly 7 in 1,000 children are confirmed victims of abuse and neglect, with 69% being age 10 or younger.
Child welfare significantly impacts children, with about 80% of abused children meeting criteria for at least one psychological disorder by age 21. Seventy-six percent of children with a history of neglect do not complete high school.
These numbers shed light on just how many children are affected by abuse, neglect and unstable living situations every year.
They make it clear why having well-trained social workers in the field is so important.
As the program launches, the goal is to encourage more students to pursue social work and serve under-resourced communities, helping bridge the statewide shortage of child welfare workers. Students interested in learning more can visit Ferris 360 for additional information.