Public Child Welfare Certification

The Public Child Welfare Certification Program (PCWCP) at Murray State University is part of a state-wide partnership between the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and ten university undergraduate social work programs in order to better serve the children and families in Kentucky. The goal of this program is to fill the ranks of Child Welfare Workers with the most competent and well-trained workers who can provide high quality services immediately following graduation and employment. The Cabinet has partnered with Murray State to offer BSW juniors and seniors up to four semesters tuition and stipend to complete their social work curriculum, take the required child welfare training, complete a field placement with child protection in Kentucky, and then complete a two year employment commitment with the Cabinet in Kentucky following graduation.

Eligible Students:

Must be a full-time social work major at Murray State
Hold an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5
Hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or a “B” average in all Social Work courses
Must have at least three semesters and not more than four semesters left before graduation.
Submit a completed application and walk through a two-stage interview process
Have taken a Social Work practice course prior to taking the second of two PCWCP courses

PCWCP Participants will:

Maintain the minimum GPA requirements for the program
Be admitted to and maintain good standing in the Social Work Program
Sign a binding contract to work for the state for two years following graduation
Take both Child Abuse classes (SWK 405 & 415)
Attend a PCWCP Retreat each of the semesters they are in the program
Complete Field Practicum at a KY DCBS office their senior year
Accept a position as a child protective services worker in Kentucky following graduation

If interested Contact:

Peggy Meriedeth, MSW
Social Work Field Director
PCWCP Site Coordinator
270-809-4628
pmeriedeth@murraystate.edu

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