CWTAP Online Application Portal


Learn More About the CWTAP Program & Application Process


Upcoming CWTAP Admissions Cycle: January 2027

 

 

Picture of UW Seattle Students

CWTAP Application Process

Application Portal Opens: Tentative January 2027

  • BASW (Juniors Only): TBD 2027
  • Full-Time Advanced Standing: TBD 2027
  • Full-Time: TBD 2027
  • Part-Time Evening: TBD 2027

As part of this process takes place concurrently with your admissions application into the UW School of Social Work, you may receive CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE into the CWTAP Program until you have provided your official acceptance letter into the UW School of Social Work Graduate Program to CWTAP.


CWTAP Information Sessions are a MANDATORY REEQUIREMENT of the CWTAP Application Process. 


If you have questions please email:

cwtapseattle@socialwork.uw.edu or pchant@uw.edu

Promoting Training Excellence in 
Washington State's Child Welfare Workforce

For over 30 years, the UW Seattle Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP) has helped students and professionals grow into confident, advanced-level social work practitioners. Whether you're launching your career or already working in child welfare operations at DCYF, CWTAP offers specialized training, hands-on field experience, and up to 100% of in-state tuition support as federal funding allows. In return, participants agree to work at DCYF in a child welfare operations-approved position or receive prior approval from DCYF to work with a Federally Recognized Tribal partner after graduation. 

Explore the Benefits of CWTAP and Start Your Journey!

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance

Covers up to 100% of in-state tuition and fees for BASW and MSW students (based on funding availability). In return, participants agree to work in a DCYF-approved public child welfare operations position for the same length of time they received tuition support.

Specialized Support

Specialized Support

One-on-one academic and practicum support from experienced professionals in child welfare, CWTAP Field Faculty Advisors and Field Instructors—helping you build advanced skills and confidently navigate your path in public child welfare.

Student-Centered Cohorts

Student-Centered Cohorts

Fosters connection and resilience through a supportive cohort model—building lasting relationships and a strong sense of community for a more sustainable and empowered social work practice.

What Steps To Take to Prepare to Apply to CWTAP

1

Acceptance Into the UW School of Social Work

CWTAP applicants must provide proof of admission to the UW School of Social Work Graduate Program or verification of current enrollment as a BASW or MSW. 


Applicants may receive a CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE into the CWTAP Program, requiring submission of this documentation before full acceptance is granted.

2

Attend a CWTAP 

Information Session

CWTAP applicants are REQUIRED to attend a CWTAP Information Session. Applicants need to ensure they are aware of the program benefits, limitations, and have a shared space to ask questions about the program. Any applications whereby the applicant has not attended an Information Session will not be invited to interview.

3

Application Documents

  • Acceptance Letter
  • Updated Resume
  • UW SSW Admission Essay
  • CWTAP Essay
  • I-9 Employment Eligibility Form  
  • Driver's License (must be eligible to drive)
  • Social Security Card or alternative form of ID noted on I-9 documents list
  • 2 letters of professional reference

*** Applicants must meet employment eligibility requirements. Due to being a federally funded program, we are unable to offer admission to International and undocumented students. 


4

DCYF Employee Documents

  • CWTAP applicants who are current DCYF Employees in the Child Welfare Operations Division will be required to also provide a DCYF Regional Administration Approval Form to be signed by: the applicant, their immediate supervisor, the Area Administrator, and the Regional Area Administrator.
  • Reference requirements: One of the two references needs to be from your immediate DCYF Supervisor. 

 

5

Application Review Starts

  • BASW: 2/20/26
  • Full-Time Advanced Standing: 2/20/26
  • Full-Time: 2/27/26
  • Part-Time Evening: 3/13/26

6

Applicants Invited to Interview

Initial screening of CWTAP applicant packets will be completed, and select applicants will be invited to interview with a panel consisting of members of the CWTAP Team and DCYF Leadership. This is a highly competitive process, and applicants are encouraged to have a good understanding of the CWTAP Program. 

7

Conditional Acceptance

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance or conditional acceptance if they are awaiting their official letters of acceptance into the UW School of Social Work Graduate Program. Applicants are responsible for providing the CWTAP Program with the letter of acceptance into the UW School of Social Work as a part of their application packet. 

8

Contract Agreement Signing

Final admission into CWTAP is dependent on applicants attending a Contract Agreement Signing, and completing the contract with a final signature.

25

Average Class Size

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Top 1%

Most Diverse 

Universities in the Nation

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CWTAP Roadmap to Applying