Los Angeles County DCFS + UCLA Academy of Workforce Excellence Stipend Training Program
Online information session will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 5:30pm.
Register for the Info Session.
Launch Your Career in Public Child Welfare
The UCLA LA County DCFS Stipend Program supports MSW students who are committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.
Through a partnership between UCLA Luskin Social Welfare and the Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS), this federally funded Title IV-E program combines financial support, specialized training, and direct field experience to prepare students for professional roles in public child welfare.
Eligible students may receive up to $52,000 in stipend support while gaining hands-on experience within community agencies and DCFS regional offices.
Why Participate?
This program is designed for students who want more than a practicum; they want a clear professional pathway. Participants receive:
- Significant financial support during their MSW program
- Structured preparation for public child welfare practice
- Direct experience within DCFS regional offices
- A defined post-graduation employment pathway
Graduates enter the workforce with both advanced training and direct system experience, ready to serve children and families across Los Angeles County.
LADCFS + UCLA Academy of Workforce Excellence Stipend Training Program is led by:
- Maria Lourdes Brown, Executive Director, mlbrown@luskin.ucla.edu
- Todd Franke, PhD, Principal Investigator and Department Chair, tfranke@ucla.edu
- Mahonri “Mo” Sapiga, MSW, Practicum Faculty/DCFS Stipend Program Coordinator, mosapiga@luskin.ucla.edu
- Susan Lares-Nakaoka, PhD, MSW, MA, Practicum Director, susan@luskin.ucla.edu
Stipend & Financial Support
Participants may receive:
- Up to $26,000 per academic year
- Up to two years of funding
- Maximum potential award of $52,000
Stipend funds are intended to support tuition and related educational expenses.
Important Funding Information
Stipend amounts are determined annually and depend on available federal Title IV-E funding. Funding levels may vary from year to year, and awards may be adjusted if funding changes.
Receipt of stipend funds may impact other financial aid awards. Students are encouraged to consult with Financial Aid to understand their individual aid package.
Practicum Pathway
The program provides a sequenced, workforce-aligned practicum experience:
- Year 1 – Community-Based Practice
- Students complete a placement in an agency serving children and families, including those at risk of DCFS involvement. This year builds foundational engagement, assessment, and intervention skills.
- Year 2 – DCFS Regional Office Placement
- Students transition to a DCFS regional office placement and participate in required public child welfare trainings and seminars. This immersive experience prepares students for full-time professional roles within the department.
Employment Commitment & Repayment Policy
Employment Commitment
In exchange for stipend support, participants commit to professional service.
Upon graduation and successful completion of program requirements, participants must complete two years of full-time employment with the Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services in a qualifying position.
Employment is subject to DCFS hiring processes and position availability.This commitment strengthens workforce continuity and ensures experienced professionals serve children and families in Los Angeles County.
Repayment Policy
The stipend is a service-based award.Participants who do not complete program requirements or fulfill the two-year employment commitment will be required to repay stipend funds received. Repayment may be:
- Full or prorated based on the length of service completed
- Managed according to the terms outlined in the signed stipend agreement
The signed stipend agreement governs all service and repayment terms. Students are encouraged to review all program documents carefully before accepting funds.
Eligibility Requirements & Application Process
Eligibility Requirements
To participate and remain eligible, students must:
- Complete DCFS pre-employment screening, including background clearance
- Maintain good academic standing.
- Successfully complete required practicum placements.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.
- Attend required trainings and seminars.
- Adhere to professional and ethical standards.
Current LA County DCFS employees are not eligible. Continued participation depends on meeting all academic, professional, and program requirements.
Application Process
Admission is competitive and subject to funding availability.
- Attend an information session.
- Submit a completed application by April 30th
- Participate in an interview if selected.
Final selections are based on academic readiness, demonstrated commitment to public child welfare, workforce alignment, and available funding.The university reserves the right to modify or suspend admissions based on funding or program considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Up to $26,000 per academic year for up to two years, subject to annual funding availability.
No. Awards depend on available federal Title IV-E funding and may change from year to year.
Two years of full-time employment with LA County DCFS after graduation in a qualifying position.
After graduation and acceptance of qualifying employment, subject to DCFS hiring processes.
Stipend funds must be repaid in full or on a prorated basis, according to the signed agreement.
Withdrawal, dismissal, or failure to meet program requirements may trigger repayment obligations.
Yes, it may. Students should consult Financial Aid before accepting funds.
No. Continued participation depends on funding availability and successful fulfillment of academic and program requirements.
No.
MSW students committed to public child welfare careers and prepared to fulfill the two-year employment commitment.
Contact
Mahonri “Mo” Sapiga, MSW
DCFS Stipend Program Coordinator
UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs | Social Welfare
Mosapiga@luskin.ucla.edu
Program Disclaimer
The UCLA LA County DCFS Stipend Program is supported by federal Title IV-E funding and is subject to applicable federal, state, county, and university regulations. Funding levels, stipend amounts, eligibility requirements, and program terms may change without notice.
Participation requires execution of a formal stipend agreement outlining binding service and repayment terms. In the event of any discrepancy, the signed agreement governs.