Hi, I'm will be starting my Jr year in the BSW program where I live. We have been offered the opportunity to participate in the PCWPC Program and I was looking to talk to other Social Work Students who have already participated in this program to talk to before I make a decision as to whether to apply or not. Good experiences, bad ones. Anything would be helpful. Thanks in Advance.

April,

I am a junior BSW student who considered joining the PCWCP program. In Kentucky, where I live, students take 2 topics classes, complete their field practicum through child welfare, and sign a contract stating that they will work in child welfare for at least two years following graduation. In return, your last four semesters of school are paid for, with a $1300 stipend each semester. I assume these things are common to all states, but I thought I'd tell you in case it's different in your area.

I took the first topics class, Child Abuse and Neglect, last semester. I was the only person in the class who wasn't already in the program. By the time we had finished the semester, I knew child welfare was not for me. I have a 5 year old son, and after every class I called home crying to check on him.

That said, I think PCWCP is a wonderful program for those who can handle it. I would suggest taking one of the courses before you sign a contract (you can always join later, even though you'll lose one semester's financial benefit). You'll be able to start out making about 10% more than workers without the certification. Often, child welfare workers are not degreed social workers, and I think it's wonderful that more people with a BSW are entering that area due to the PCWCP program.

However, you need to consider your plans following graduation also. Are you planning to get your MSW? If so, working full-time through the state may make it difficult to attend full-time classes AND complete field hours. Also, do you want to be tied down to one job for two years? What if a far better offer came along?

Obviously there are lots of considerations to make before committing yourself. Most of the students I know who opted not to participate are pleased with their decision, and most who are in the program are happy as well. I think you know deep down if it's right for you, and the decision that feels right will make you the happiest.

I hope this helps!!

Andrea

Andrea, Thank you so much for taking time to reply. I'm also in Ky at Western. I have been a SAHM for 14 years and decided to go back to school when my youngest of two turned 9. I have to admit that I'm a little nervous about applying because I understand that you sign the contract to work anywhere in the state. I'm willing to work in three counties since I live in the cornerstone of three but I'm sure not about to relocate.

I also have had reservations about being able to handle child welfare. Since I was in fostercare myself and have several friends who are foster parents I have seen the flip side of the coin many times. At the same time I worry about being able to find a job after I graduate and was hoping to find a placement that paid at least partially for higher education.

What kinds of things were you learning in your topic classes? Do you think they were preparing you for worse case scenerio's or things that you would typically see on a daily basis?

My husband is really encouraging this step because he recently obtained a new job that will hopefully pull us above the poverty line. I think his fears are that I will lose my grants. I feel really on the fence about the situation. It was so sweet of you to take the time to talk to me about it. Thanks so much. April.

April,

You're correct; the contract does state that the agency will try to keep you in your area, but if there is no position is open, you agree to go anywhere. Several of the students I know in the program (I go to Brescia) are nervous because of the state hiring freeze and because jobs in this area are hard to come by. Especially in Muhlenberg County, where I live! That was a main concern of mine when I considered the program.

Now that I know you're in KY, I'll explain the Abuse class a little further. It's done through Interactive Television throughout the state (I don't know if you've ever had one of these). Nine schools participate, and you have different instructors throughout the semester. They're on a tv screen in the classroom, and your room has cameras and microphones. If the teacher calls on your school, someone has to be on camera for the entire state to see! It was really unnerving for me to see myself up close and personal on TV.

It got really confusing to keep up with the different teaching styles, and the exams were made up of questions from all 9 instructors, so you never knew what the format would be. I disliked the setup of the class almost as much as the content!

I think we had either Pam Black or someone McMillan from Western a few times... Anyway, the worst class I remember involved looking at slides from actual Kentucky abuse cases. We saw kids with bruises, burns, skull fractures, you name it. I couldn't bring myself to watch most of them. We also saw pictures of homes, and while we were supposed to look for strengths, it was hard to see past the filth. It's even harder to know that this exists in our own state.

I can't recall the exact stats on the things we looked at, but the less severe forms of abuse happen a lot. They made it clear that we were being trained to identify these indicators of abuse because we would definitely see them.

Anyway, sorry for the long post, but I don't think anyone should go into PCWCP without a good idea of what it will be like! By the way, do you happen to know when the MSW program at Western will be accredited? Western is my first choice, but I don't want to finish before they get their accreditation, just in case.

-Andrea

Andrea, Hi

The masters program started here this year I believe... I'm not sure about the accreditation but I will ask someone when I go to class Tuesday and get back to you.

I called a social worker at the Warren County Dept. after I posted here and talked to her for a long time. After talking to her I felt a little better. I think I'm going to apply and if I get in it was meant to be and if not then no big deal. She told me to make sure that when I do my interview in front of the panel of 5(ACCCKKK) to let them know that I prefer they don't accept me if I would have to relocate. That way I've been upfront with them about my needs.

We also talked about me being placed in the adult unit. Sounds interesting. The set up of those classes definately sounds different! Scary stuff.

If you want you can email me. Billynapril1@aol.com I'm tickled to death to have someone to talk to all this about. Have you had stats yet? How bout policy? I hate those classes LOL. Hope to hear from you soon. April

April,

I agree; it's great to FINALLY know of another SW major from Kentucky besides my classmates. I'll send you an email and we'll keep the discussion going.

Andrea