Adult Protective Services Training Program

Purpose 

The goals of the Adult Protective Services (APS) Training Program are to (1) better prepare MSW students to provide effective, evidence-based professional social work services in county and Tribal Adult Protective Services units and (2) increase the numbers and enhance the retention of MSWs working in county and Tribal Adult Protective Services units in all regions of California.

Funding 

The APS Training Program is funded by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as part of a statewide workforce development initiative identified as a priority in California’s Master Plan for Aging. The California Social Work Education Center (CalSWEC) administers the APS Training Program. 

Background 

Please visit the APS MSW Training Program site(opens in new window) for more information about the background of the Program. 

Eligible Students 

Students must be (1) enrolled in Chico State’s MSW program as a full time, part time, or advanced standing student, (2) entering either a foundation year or an advanced year of MSW study in good academic standing, (3) matched/matching with a practicum placement for the training year at a PUBLIC  services program (foundation year) or APS unit (advanced year), and (4) not receiving funding support from any other CDSS administered training or federally funded training or scholarship program. Students must also demonstrate an interest in and commitment to learning about the issues, challenges, and needs specific to social work practice with aging and vulnerable adults, demonstrate linguistic and cultural competencies that align with the needs of underserved individuals, groups, and communities in California, and a strong and sustained commitment to social work careers working with aging and vulnerable adults in public APS units in California. 

MSW students are accepted into the APS Training Program for one academic year at a time and may participate in the program for a maximum of two academic years. Acceptance into the APS Training Program for one academic year does NOTguarantee acceptance for a second year.

Funding Award 

Selected students will receive a stipend for the academic year disbursed in two payments. 

• Full time students: $20,000 for 2024-2025 academic year 
• Part time students: $10,000 for 2024-2025 academic year 

Student Requirements 

Foundation year students 

• Match with a practicum placement that must involve delivering PUBLIC services for aging and/or vulnerable adults at sites that are PUBLICLY FUNDED programs serving aging and vulnerable adults, such as Adult Services Intake, In Home Supportive Services, PACE, Public Guardian, Seniors First, and similar Area Agency on Aging, and Tribal programs. 
• Participate in all CalSWEC and Chico State SSW scheduled program meetings, trainings, educational sessions during the academic year. 
• Enroll and complete SWRK 674: Policy and Programs with Older Adults and their Families at Chico State during the awarded academic year. 

• Following completion of MSW program, complete the equivalent of 12 months of full-time services as MSW-level social workers in county or Tribal Adult Protective Services units in the state of California. 
• ALL selected MSW students are encouraged to pursue their LCSW licensure. 

Advanced/concentration year students 

• Match with a practicum placement that must focus on the student providing services in public APS units, which include county and Tribal APS units. 
• Participate in all CalSWEC and Chico State SSW scheduled program meetings, trainings, educational sessions during the academic year. 
• Enroll and complete SWRK 674: Policy and Programs with Older Adults and their Families at Chico State during the awarded academic year. 
• Following completion of MSW program, complete the equivalent of 12 months of full-time services as MSW-level social workers in county or Tribal Adult Protective Services units in the state of California. 
• ALL selected MSW students are encouraged to pursue their LCSW licensure. 

Informational Meetings 

Please click on this APS Informational Session Flyer (PDF) link for dates, times, and locations.  

Application Process

The 2024-2025 academic year CalSWEC APS application is currently open. 

CalSWEC APS will be responsible for managing the application process through Qualtrics, an online platform used for collecting and analyzing data. The application deadline for CalSWEC APS is April 15th, 2024, and no applications will be accepted after that date.

To access the CalSWEC APS Application please click here

The MSW APS Training Program admissions committee will ONLY review completed applications.  

Contact Information 

For more information about the APS Training Program at the California State University, Chico, School of Social Work, please contact the Interim Program Coordinator, Dr. Judy Vang at tvang@csuchico.edu