Continued from History of the Center

In 2000, the legislative body altered the funding for Community Resources for Families, which resulted in many districts opting to discontinue the program in their schools.  This included the primary partner for the Center, Post Falls School District. 

This coincided with IDHW reconsidering the benefits of social work stipends with obligation to CFS employment upon graduation.  In review of recruitment and retention within CFS, the majority of staff hired to work in the agency had a bachelor’s of social work degree.  The data indicated that the agency’s need for hire was at that educational level.  Negotiations were initiated with the major BSW and MSW programs across the state of Idaho:  Idaho State University (ISU), Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) and Northwest Nazarene University (NNU).  In 2001, the three universities signed sub-contract agreements and entered into a partnership arrangement with EWU-School of Social Work and IDHW.  Boise State University (BSU) contracted with IDHW in 2003, creating the Boise State University Child Welfare Center, further expanding the University Partnership.

The current effort of the Child Welfare Scholars program is emphasis of student classroom and field education in foster care and adoption services utilizing Title IV-E funding.  The Partnership in placing students across the State of Idaho has provided service expansion capabilities through the use of students in designated Title IV-E agencies.  This Partnership contributes to IDHW Strategic Plan, Goal Four, which is to apply learning organization skills to improve the way we do our jobs and provide services.  The desired outcome for this goal is – we will hire and retain people with the right skills.

Next, Substance abuse as a child protection factor