Child welfare
Program description
The child welfare specialization (CWS) is a program of studies that prepares you for child protection and/or child welfare work in government and other settings, while also satisfying the general practice criteria required for BSW accreditation and entry into the profession of Social Work. The CWS meets the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) advanced entry-level expectations for child protection positions.
If you intend to work in mandated child protection settings after graduation, you must complete your fourth year field education placement in a mandated protection setting such as MCFD or a delegated Aboriginal agency. Please note that protection placements are full-time, unpaid placements completed within a single term.
If you wish to specialize in child welfare but do not intend to work in mandated child protection settings after graduation, you may choose to complete your fourth year field education placement in a non-mandated child welfare setting, such as an agency that works with street youth.
Program requirements
Entry to the BSW program is in third year. Requirements for first and second years are available in the UVic calendar. For information on transfer credit, please see the Office of the Registrar's website and the UVic calendar information regarding applicants for transfer.
It is your responsibility to plan your BSW program to ensure that you will fulfill the University's and the School's degree completion requirements.
Requirements for completion of a BSW Child Welfare Specialization:
- Social Work (SOCW) 200A & 200B or equivalent
- UVic's Academic Writing Requirement
- Course requirements specific to BSW child welfare specialization – See BSW child welfare specialization course requirements and course planning
- UVic’s minimum degree requirements for graduation
NOTE: Students admitted to the distance education program option must participate in mandatory, real-time/synchronous class sessions as part of SOCW 312A or may be required to attend an on-campus face-to-face component of SOCW 312A depending on COVID19. Further details of this course delivery format will be provided to incoming students. Additionally, the availability of approved practica may be limited and may require relocation.
Learn more about admission to the BSW program.
Application procedures
If you would like to complete the BSW child welfare specialization, you will follow the same application process and admission requirements as all BSW applicants. For information on admission, please see the admission information page. If you receive an offer of admission into the BSW program, you would choose the child welfare specialization option on your acceptance form.
Where can I get more information?
SOCW Admissions (BSW)
Phone: 250-721-8036
Email: swadmit@uvic.ca