College Relations
Child Welfare Institute Initiated at Salem State
November 23, 2004
Karen Cady at 978-542-7500 or karen.cady@salemstate.edu
Salem, Mass. - The Massachusetts Department of Social Services (DSS) and Salem State College School of Social Work and The University of Massachusetts Medical School announce the creation of the Massachusetts Child Welfare Institute. The institute, centered at Salem State College provides professional development to organizations and individuals who are seeking to assure that every child in the Commonwealth reaches adulthood with a safe and supportive family connection.
The Institute will provide education, professional development and training to DSS staff, contracted providers, parents and community-based stakeholders. By enhancing the education of child welfare staff, it is anticipated that the success rate of those children and families served throughout the system will be greatly improved. The institute will provide pre-service, in-service and degree granting programs for DSS staff. The first cohort of 14 graduate social work students supported through the institute matriculated at Salem State in September.
Funding, in the form of a $1.7 million interagency service agreement, includes the installation of "smart classroom" and videoconferencing technology in the Harrington Building on Salem State's South Campus. Salem State's existing Master of Social Work program was deemed the appropriate venue for the institute in light of the strength of its child welfare education programs. In addition, the collaboration with the Medical School brings a great breadth of medical and behavioral health expertise to support the work of the Institute and the families served by the Department.
"The establishment of the Child Welfare Institute brings together strong public institutions that will work together on behalf of the children and families of the Commonwealth," said Dr. Neal DeChillo dean of the schools of human services at Salem State. "Given the knowledge, experience and commitment of the parties involved, as well as the strong history of collaboration, I anticipate that our efforts will facilitate the development of the best practices within the field of child welfare," he added.
A reception welcoming the Institute to Salem State College will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 30. DSS Commissioner Harry Spence and Assistant DSS Commissioner William Deveney are expected to join Salem State College President Nancy Harrington at this event.
For more information, contact Cheryl Springer, Interim Director of Salem State's School of Social Work at (978)-542-6041.
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