Michigan Child Welfare In-Service Training program: a university–agency partnership

This article details the Michigan Child Welfare In-Service Training (MCWIST) program, a university–agency partnership which provides in-service training to child welfare professionals. Trainings are provided annually via multiple modalities across the state in partnership with other universities on relevant casework practice-related issues with an emphasis on anti-racist and anti-oppressive principles. Each training is also evaluated to assess outcomes. Since its inception in 2009, MCWIST has delivered training to approximately 25,400 child welfare professionals. The program consists of six key components: 1) collaborative partnerships, 2) program management, 3) training audience, modalities, and topics, 4) anti-racist/anti-oppressive practice, 5) marketing and outreach, and 6) evaluation. For each component, a detailed description, lessons learned, and recommendations for how aspects of this university-agency model could be replicated in other states/counties are provided.