RADFORD – Radford University’s School of Social Work recently received grants totaling more than $370,000 to help fund two important initiatives: the Child Welfare Student Stipend Program (CWSSP) and the Interdisciplinary Child Abuse and Neglect Advocacy Project.

More than $333,000 was awarded to fund CWSSP for the 2007-2008 academic year. The program provides educational opportunities and financial assistance to bachelor of social work (BSW) and master of social work (MSW) students interested in employment with or those currently employed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). The grant, which funds 20 student stipends per academic year, was awarded by VDSS to three universities in the Commonwealth that offer MSW programs.

BSW students in their final year and MSW students in the foundation and concentration year of the program are eligible to apply for a stipend. BSW applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher while MSW applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. All candidates must complete a written application and interview.

“This grant offers students financial assistance to go to school, something some are not able to do otherwise,” said Jenny B. Alexander, assistant professor in the RU School of Social Work and coordinator of the Institute for Children & Families. “Once students are awarded a stipend, they are required to participate in activities and complete assignments that help prepare them for employment with VDSS.”

The grant will also finance the salaries of three full-time administrative/professional (a/p) faculty, one part-time a/p faculty position and one part-time wage position. The money will also be used to finance some travel expenses and supplies.

The RU School of Social Work began offering stipends during the 1997-98 academic year and has received CWSSP funding for 11 years. The school is required to provide reports to VDSS documenting the stipends awarded in the current academic year and the employment status of graduates.

Alexander also joined with Martha Raby, a part-time a/p faculty member in the RU School of Social Work and coordinator of the Child Advocacy Center of the New River Valley (CAC NRV), to request more than $39,000 in funding from VDSS and Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) for the Interdisciplinary Child Abuse and Neglect Advocacy Project. The grant will be utilized by CAC NRV to continue and expand services that reduce the trauma to child victims of abuse while effectively prosecuting perpetrators of abuse and violence to children in local communities. Founded in 2001 by RU School of Social Work personnel, CAC NRV is a unique collaboration between RU and Pulaski, Montgomery, Floyd and Giles Counties and Radford City. RU is one of three universities in the nation connected with a CAC.

The RU School of Social Work and the Child Advocacy Center of the New River Valley are housed in the RU Waldron College of Health and Human Services. To learn more about the Child Welfare Student Stipend Program, please contact Jenny Alexander at (540) 831-7686 or jburroug@radford.edu. To learn more about the Interdisciplinary Child Abuse and Neglect Advocacy Project, please contact Martha Raby at meraby@radford.edu