The FCB is pleased to offer the following programs in support of expanded eligibility of persons seeking employment and certification in Florida’s child welfare system.

Child Welfare Educational Waiver Policy. Florida Administrative Code 65C-15.017(3) requires that community based care lead agency and case management organization “agency staff responsible for performing casework services shall have a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related area of study or a master’s degree in social work or a related area of study from an accredited college or university.”

The FCB will accept any degree waivers granted by the Department for certification purposes.

Related Documents:
CW Formal Education Waiver – 7-1-2022.pdf

The FCB has published a TEMPLATE Petition for Waiver of or Variance from DCF Rule 65C-15.017(3).pdf for use by employers. The template is based on the Clerks Memo – Variances and Waivers – with attachments.pdf and it contains the required information as specified in the April 16, 2015 memo.


DCF CPI Enhanced Workforce Waiver Program. Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Sheriff Offices are encouraged to expand protective investigator recruitment efforts by allowing people with eligible experience to waive the Bachelor’s degree requirement for employment purposes.

The FCB will grant a formal education degree waiver to any CWPI-P or CWPI applicant hired under the Enhanced Workforce Waiver program.

Related Documents:
Implementing Enhanced Workforce Program for CWPI.pdf 
DCF CPI Enhanced Workforce Waiver.pdf


FCB CW Workforce/Caseload Relief Certification Reinstatement Program. This program is for individuals who were previously certified by the FCB, are currently employed in the field of child welfare, and have been temporarily deployed to perform job tasks typically performed by certified investigators, case managers, counselors and their supervisors in an effort to provide workforce/caseload relief.

Related Document: CW Workforce – Caseload Relief Certification Reinstatement Application – 7-1-2022.pdf


FCB Provisional Certification to Supervisor Certification Program. This program is for individuals employed in the field of child welfare in positions higher than a direct supervisor who are also performing duties that are traditionally performed by certified professionals within the scope of their position.

Eligible applicants earn a CWPI-P, CWCM-P, or CWLC-P credential through the standard application and testing processes. This program does not offer a pathway for provisionally certified professionals to earn the CWPI, CWCM, or CWLC through the upgrade process. Rather, during the provisional year, the individual completes all requirements to earn the Certified Child Welfare Supervisor credential.  There are no related documents: see the CWPI-CWCM-CWLC and the CCWS subpages for more information.