CRTCW

Center History

Beginning in 1997 and continuing for the next eight years, the child welfare focus of the Department of Social Work was defined by Title IV-E funding received through the State of Minnesota to train MSW Child Welfare professionals.  However, working in partnership with American Indian communities on other projects reflecting a more broad definition of child welfare was also a strong departmental priority.  After eight years of Title IV-E funding, department faculty and staff acted on the need to broaden the scope of child welfare related activities beyond Title IV-E to embrace a more holistic an encompassing approach to child welfare, particularly with American Indian communities. 

The UMD Center for Regional and Tribal Child Welfare Studies was established in April 2005, with a mission to advance the well-being of children by strengthening families and communities through social work education, research, and outreach in the region.  Center faculty and staff members provide coordination for current Departmental activities relating to Child Welfare, and are working to refine a vision of the Center for the future.