Institute Overview
The Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare (MICW) is a new organizing structure housing several dynamic research and training entities, including The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), the Minnesota Linking Information for Kids (Minn-LInK) project, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA). Each entity is grant-funded and self-sustaining. During an early phase of strategic planning for CASCW in 2024, the creation of the MICW emerged as an essential task to continue to support the growth and productivity of these entities while also continuing the mission of the School of Social Work and the College of Education and Human Development as it pertains to continued community service, growth, and innovation.
The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) is a research and training center located within the School of Social Work in the College of Education and Human Development on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. CASCW supports the education and training of public child welfare professionals; identifies and examines effective child welfare practice methods, informs the public and policy makers about various child welfare issues, and incorporates research and evaluation findings into the School of Social Work curriculum.
Minn-LInK, an incredibly rich resource within the University and across the state of Minnesota, is an interdisciplinary, integrated, administrative data project used for research and evaluation projects aimed at understanding the experiences and outcomes of children, youth, and families who are multi-system involved. Minn-LInK staff provide research services to internal and external partners through grants and agreements.
The MNCWTA is a partnership between the Universitys MICW and the MN Department of Children, Youth, and Family (DCYF). The MNCWTA is responsible for the training and professional development of Minnesotas county and tribal child welfare frontline staff and supervisors. The mission is to train, develop, and support the skills, expertise, and well-being of Minnesotas child welfare workforce while nurturing a commitment to equitable child welfare practice.
Department Overview
Founded in 1917, the School of Social Work at the University of MinnesotaTwin Cities is part of a public, research-intensive university and one of seven administrative units in the College of
Education and Human Development. The School offers a number of educational programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels including a PhD in social work, a Master of Social Work,
a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and minors in Family Violence Prevention, Youth Studies, and Social Justice. For more
information please visit: http://www.socialwork.umn.edu.
College Overview
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. Thats why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.