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BCWEP is a collaborative effort by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and a consortium of accredited baccalaureate social work programs in New Jersey.  The intent of the program is to enhance the public child welfare workforce by encouraging students with generalist social work education and additional coursework in child welfare to enter professional positions in New Jersey public child welfare agencies. If awarded a child welfare traineeship through BCWEP, students' tuition and fees will be paid for one academic year.  In return, students accepting a traineeship must sign a legally binding commitment to work for the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency for a minimum of two years following graduation. 

Any social work major in good standing enrolled at one of the participating colleges or universities may apply.  Students must be ready to enter their direct service practicum placement, have a satisfactory grade point average, and be recommended by the faculty of their social work program.

Students must take at least one course in child welfare and request DCP&P for their field placement. Students must also possess a social security number.

Students need to inform their program faculty of their interest in a child welfare career and BCWEP.  Each social work program has a BCWEP Campus Academic coordinator who can offer assistance, advice, and information about the program. 

Students meeting the eligibility requirements must complete the BCWEP application , an updated resume that includes employment history, education, relevant volunteer experiences, and specialized skills (such as ability to speak a second language), and a personal statement. The Social Work Faculty will then prepare a letter of recommendation and submit the materials to the lead institution, ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ.

BCWEP applications must be received no later than March 1st.  The selection of students for a traineeship is based upon criteria which include available funding, geographic distribution, availability of practicum placements and qualified supervisors, grade point average, demonstrated interest in a child welfare career, and social work faculty recommendations. Acceptance into BCWEP is also contingent upon approval of the internship by DCP&P, which requires a background check and valid driver's license.

Successful applicants must undergo additional screening by the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency. All students interning at DCP&P must undergo a criminal background check, a CARI (Child Abuse Registry Index) check to verify that the student has no history of maltreatment of children, and a check of the applicant's driving record. A valid, non-provisional, driver's license is required. Because driving of state vehicles with clients is an essential function of this position, the following may disqualify you from consideration: driving record with five points or more within the past five years; any driving under the influence conviction within the past five years; or any combination of three motor vehicle violations/license suspensions within the last five years). Once cleared by DCP&P, students are matched with a qualified social work practicum instructor at a local or area office.

Yes, a valid, non-provisional, driver's license is required. Driver's abstracts are reviewed to determine eligibility. Because driving of state vehicles with clients is an essential function of this position once fully employed, the following may disqualify you from consideration: driving record with five points or more within the past five years; any driving under the influence conviction within the past five years; or any combination of three motor vehicle violations/license suspensions within the last five years). 

BCWEP participants must have a horizontal, non-provisional license in order to begin employment. For example, if a student is under 21 years old, and has a verticial provisional license, it must be updated to a horizontal standard license prior to the student being hired so there are no driving restrictions.

Traineeships are funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.

You should apply only if you have a serious interest in working within the public child welfare system after graduation. Should you receive a traineeship, you will be required to make a commitment to work in child welfare for at least two years upon completion of your undergraduate social work degree. Should you be unable to fulfill this commitment, you will be required to repay the funds you received.

Yes, you are still eligible to pursue a MSW degree. While it is recommended that you wait at least a year after you start working at DCP&P so you can get acclimated to the work, it is possible to still attend an MSW program.