Center and University/Agency Partnership History 
In 1993, an agreement between Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) and Eastern Washington University (EWU) School of Social Work was established for the purpose of providing stipend supported, MSW-level education for social work students committed to careers in child welfare. 

This traditional agency/university contract was funded by Title IV-E of the Social Security Act.  This agreement brought together two organizations with differing goals, but similar missions; to improve service to children in the foster care system and their families.

The Idaho Child Welfare Research and Training Center (ICWRTC) was established in 1997 through an expanding partnership agreement between EWU School of Social Work and IDHW.  This decision was based on the motivation by both partners to explore the potential of reconfiguring the child welfare safety net in preparation for welfare reform.

In February, 2006, a unique partnership was created to benefit families and children receiving child welfare services in Idaho.  The new Idaho Child Welfare Partnership brought together the educational abilities of Boise State and Eastern Washington Universities, the expertise of Casey Family Programs, and the resources of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to help serve children and families involved with child protection cases.

The links to the right will take you through sections that detail more about the History of the Center.