Differential uses for BSW and MSW educated social workers in child welfare services

A rationale is offered for deciding how to use BSW and MSW educated social workers in child protective services. Generalist skills taught in BSW programs prepare students for work as hot-line screeners, foster care case managers, and case workers with low-to-moderate risk families, and to recruit, screen, and train foster and adoptive parents. Skills taught in MSW programs are needed for conducting initial investigations, working with high risk families, terminating parental rights, placing children with adoptive families, and by administrative and supervisory staff.