Indigenous child welfare
Program description
Program requirements
Application Procedures
Where can I get more information?
Program description
Admission to the Indigenous child welfare specialization is limited to students of Indigenous ancestry. We define Indigenous to be inclusive of students who come from various nationhoods, such as First Nations, Indigenous, Métis, Inuit who are Indigenous to North America." Please note, we value relational concepts in regards to identity and do not exclusively rely on government imposed identities.
The Indigenous child welfare specialization combines courses from the Indigenous and child welfare specializations and will encourage you to explore and affirm your own Indigenous identity. The intent of this specialization is similar to the Indigenous specialization with an emphasis on the well being of Indigenous children, families and communities.
The fourth year field education placement will take place in an Indigenous child welfare agency that is delegated by the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) or an Indigenous child welfare service agency. You have an opportunity to complete this placement in a child protection agency or an Indigenous child welfare agency that is not protection focused.
Upon graduation you will receive a BSW degree and your transcript will indicate that you completed the Indigenous child welfare specialization stream.
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 Indigenous child welfare specialization:
- Social Work (SOCW) 200A & 200B or equivalent
- UVic's Academic Writing Requirement
- Course requirements specific to BSW Indigenous Child Welfare Specialization – See BSW Indigenous 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 are an Indigenous student and you would like to complete the BSW Indigenous child welfare specialization, you will follow the same application process and admission requirements as all BSW applicants. For information on admissions, please see the admission information page. If you receive an offer of admission into the BSW program, you would choose the Indigenous child welfare specialization option on your acceptance form.
*Admission to the Indigenous specializations is limited to students of Indigenous ancestry. We define Indigenous to be inclusive of students who come from various nationhoods, such as First Nations, Indigenous, Métis, Inuit who are Indigenous to North America. Please note, we value relational concepts in regards to identity and do not exclusively rely on government imposed identities.
Where can I get more information?
SOCW Admissions (BSW)
Phone: 250-721-8036
Email: swadmit@uvic.ca