IMPORTANT MESSAGE: The Child and Family Service Agency (CFSA) Student Internship Program for the 2026-2027 academic year is currently on hold as we are revamping the program. Once the updates are finalized, we will share detailed information with participating universities and colleges and update our website accordingly. Please rest assured that the key components of our program will remain similar to what is described on this page Thank you for your understanding and patience during this transition.
MSW SOCIAL WORK STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (SIP)
The Child Welfare Training Academy oversees CFSA's social worker internship program, which enables social work students from DC, Maryland, and Virginia to complete their required field education training for their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Interns are interviewed and vetted by CWTA staff, receive pre-service training, and are paired with a CFSA social worker who serves as their field instructor throughout the academic school year.
SIP GOALS:
The CFSA SIP program is designed to provide student interns with enriching experiences that enhance their practical skills as they evolve into competent Social Work Practitioners. We are committed to supporting each student in alignment with their university programs while connecting them with areas that resonate with their Macro and Micro interests. These opportunities include:
COLLABORATION:
Our program will actively foster and maintain connections across each participating university, creating a supportive network that enables social work students to navigate their academic journey with ease and confidence. Together, we can turn aspirations into reality!
SIP SAFETY:
The safety of our interns is our highest priority. The SIP program is dedicated to keeping students safe while they work with CFSA, emphasizing personal and community safety. Each intern will receive training on clinical case management safety during onboarding, and further protocols will be addressed with their field instructor.
SIP RESOURCES:
Students will be granted the following supplies:
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Laptop computer provisions for remote support
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Remote/virtual training
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Virtual and in-person visits with families, shadowing opportunities, and supervision
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Provision of Personal Protective Equipment for usage when requested for in-home shadowing activities
SIP CAPACITY:
The SIP Program seeks experienced and passionate licensed social workers to mentor student interns. Only individuals holding an LGSW or LICSW can serve as Field Instructors, as endorsed by their supervisors and approved by our Human Resources Department. Due to the limited availability Field Instructors throughout the year, we prioritize interns according to the following criteria:
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Second year and advanced standing MSW/MSSW students
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1st year MSW/MSSW students
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BSW Students
Our capacity to enroll students is determined by the availability of approved Field Instructors.
SIP TIMEFRAMES:
The SIP Program runs from August to May each academic year. Currently, applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are paused as we work on restructuring our program. We are excited about the improvements ahead and will update our website once registration is open, bringing new opportunities for all participants.
