2014 Prevention Certificate Preparation Program
Information and Application
What is Prevention Science?
According to the Preventing Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People
Report, prevention is specifically defined as, “Interventions that occur prior to the onset of a
disorder that are intended to prevent or reduce risk for the disorder.”
The underlying framework for most prevention research and practice are risk and protective
factors. Prevention researchers and practitioners are interested in understanding risk and
protective factors that can predict the likelihood of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, risky sexual
behaviors, behaviors that result in unintentional and intentional injuries, unhealthy dietary
patterns, and physical inactivity. (Hawkins, Catalano , & Arthur, 2002)
Prevention professionals underscore the importance of strategically using data to inform practice,
policy and research efforts in order to reduce problems related to substance abuse and mental,
emotional, and behavioral disorders. In ideal preventive interventions there is a clear connection
between the interplay of science and practice. Basic research on risk and protective factors should
inform the design of preventive interventions. (Coie, et al., 1993) For example, if mentoring has
been identified as a protective factor, then the intervention will reflect the practice of integrating
mentoring into the service program offered. Then, outcome data would be collected and used to
inform future prevention program planning and decision-making.
The ultimate goal of prevention professionals is to combine research and practice to inform the
work needed to create positive outcomes in building healthy families and communities.
What is the Prevention Certificate Preparation Program all about?
In 2012, King County Mental Health Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division (MHCADSD)
awarded $90K the UW SSW to pilot the Certificate Preparation Program in Prevention. UW SSW is
home to some of the top most scholars in Prevention Science, and we are the first School of Social
Work in the nation to provide such an opportunity to students.
Unique to this program is the fact that students will receive $1000 stipend for the year that they
are in the program, 90 hours of prevention specific training, but they will also become Certified
Prevention Professionals with the State of Washington. The program has three main components:
1. Classroom: 3 courses (9 elective credits) in Prevention Science
i. Knowledge Base for Prevention Science, (Dr. Rico Catalano)
ii. Applying Prevention Science to Family, School and Community (Dr. Kevin
Haggerty)
iii. Applying Macro-practice in Health and Prevention (TBD)
2. Practicum: The practicum will be focused on prevention activities.
a. This is determined by review of your practicum activities and whether they meet
the criteria for prevention work.
3. Practicum Seminar: 10 hours each quarter, see paragraph about seminar below. This time
will count towards your practicum hours.
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2014 Prevention Certificate Preparation Program
Information and Application
The goal of the project is to increase the number of human services professionals who hold both a
Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and a Certification in Prevention Science (CPP). Prevention
professionals work towards reducing access to drugs and alcohol for all populations on the micro,
mezzo and macro levels.
Where is the Certificate located in the SSW degree program?
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Open to all students in the MSW degree programs, however, this program is best fit for
Administration & Policy (APP) and Community-Centered Integrative Practice (CCIP)
concentrations.
Any concentration is acceptable- provided that the practicum is prevention focused and the
students are enrolled in the elective courses.
All the elective courses are open to all students, though all the prevention courses are
required for students in the certificate.
Who can be in the certificate?
Any MSW student, who is in their advanced year of study, has an interest in prevention and has
a practicum placement that is VERY focused on prevention activities.
What does the funding cover? Other Details:
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Curriculum Development
Practicum Seminar Leader
Administration of the Program
An annual stipend of $1000 per student
What is the Seminar all about?
The seminar supports skill and knowledge development in the area of prevention and prevention
science. In the seminar, students will explore, analyze, and compare field experiences, consider and
discuss theories and concepts, and learn of local and national leaders in the area of prevention
science. Sessions will consist of dialog, portfolio development, case presentations, discussion of
various topics and guest speakers. Seminar participation time will count toward field hours; 30 of
the required 720 hours of field experience. Students are expected to complete additional readings
and assignments as assigned by the facilitators. Students will be expected to complete a portfolio
that will be used towards their submission to become a Certified Prevention Professional. Students
will also take an exam at the end of their practicum experience.
Early in the seminar, students will have a session dedicated to portfolio review and completion.
Students will receive support to develop their portfolio and meet the criteria for fulfilling all
prevention domains of practice.
How do I apply?
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2014 Prevention Certificate Preparation Program
Information and Application
At present, there are 6 funded seats in the Prevention Certificate Preparation Program. You need to
complete an application form, which will be emailed to you. The application will be an electronic
submission.
What do I need to do to become a Certified Prevention Professional?
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150 hours of education in prevention training (see the detailed chart below)
o Obtained during your MSW program
o Previous course work can also count
2000 paid or volunteer hours in prevention practice
o 720 Practicum Hours at an approved practicum site
o Previous volunteer and paid work can also count
Completion of a Professional Portfolio describing your prevention training
o Primary assignment of the Practicum Seminar
Exam: 150 multiple choice questions
o You will be prepared for this exam in your courses and in the seminar
What? Could you break that down for me?
The chart below details the specific educational training you need to become a CPP. If you have met
the requirements of the MSW program, and the Prevention Certificate Preparation Program
requirements, then you have met the requirements.
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2014 Prevention Certificate Preparation Program
Information and Application
Application Process
The application process for MSW Students
Students must submit a 1page, computer generated (double-spaced, 12pt. font), statement
MAXIMUM about their interest in Prevention Science via email ONLY to Jenn Maglalang
jennmag@uw.edu by August 11, 2014.
Statement should address the following:
1. Tell us about your interest in prevention science.
Selection Process
Applicants will be informed via email about acceptance into the program.
Please direct inquiries to Jenn Maglalang jennmag@uw.edu
The practicum contact for this program is Ebasa Sarka sarkae@uw.edu
A note about Practicum Placements
Practicum placements are completely managed by the Office of Field Education. Please discuss in
detail with your Field Faculty your interest in prevention. The Field Office will work with you to
verify that your placement will offer all of the activities needed to satisfy both your concentration
requirements as well as the required prevention activities.
Requirements of the Program
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Application and acceptance to the program
Take all three required classes
o Winter: Knowledge Base for Prevention Science, Professor Rico Catalano
o Spring: Applying prevention science to family, school and community, Professor
Kevin Haggerty
o Spring Applying Macro-practice in Health and Prevention, Professor Jennifer Stuber
Participate in the Practicum Seminar
Be placed in a practicum that provides prevention content (Field Office to verify)
Apply for the CPP by submitting a portfolio at the end of the seminar
Stipends will only be provided to those who complete all of these requirements
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2014 Prevention Certificate Preparation Program
Information and Application
Cover Sheet
Name
Address
Phone and email
Concentration:
Foundation Practicum Placement: N/A for Advanced Standing
BASW Practicum Placement (if applicable):
The Practicum Office asked you to provide your 1, 2nd and 3rd choices of practicum sites for your
Advanced Year, please list those sites here:
1.
2.
3.
If you are applying for other competitive practicum placements please list those here:
1.
2.
3.
CWTAP students please note that you are likely not a good candidate for this program, given your
CWTAP practicum requirements. Do not apply for this program unless you speak with your Field
Faculty first.
Do you have any questions or concerns that you have at this time? I will follow up with you via
email to address them.
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