College Internship - Criminal Justice & Human Services

College Internship – Criminal Justice & Human Services

Department: Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF)
Internship Areas: Criminal Justice, Human Services, Social Services, Child Welfare & Related Fields
Location: Delaware – Various Department and Community Locations
Schedule: Based on academic requirements and Department availability

About the Internship

The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) is seeking motivated college students interested in gaining hands-on exposure to careers in criminal justice, human services, child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, social services, and public administration.

This internship provides students with an opportunity to connect their academic studies with real-world experience in a state government setting. Interns may shadow experienced professionals, observe meetings and case-related processes, participate in Department projects, conduct research, assist with data and records activities, and support the development of community resources.

Depending on availability, academic requirements, and the student's interests, internship experiences may include exposure to multiple DSCYF divisions, including:

• Division of Family Services (DFS)
• Division of Youth Rehabilitation Services (YRS)
• Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services (PBH)

These experiences provide students with a broader understanding of how DSCYF divisions work collaboratively to support Delaware's children, youth, and families.

Office of Case Management Experience

Students placed within the Office of Case Management may have opportunities to:

• Observe FIRST huddles and client meetings.
• Attend Family Court Liaison meetings.
• Assist with updating community resource directories.
• Conduct research and gather information on available community services.
• Review records associated with quality improvement activities.
• Learn about interstate placement processes.
• Assist with data, records, and administrative activities.
• Shadow staff and learn about different career paths within DSCYF.
• Observe how state agencies, courts, service providers, and community partners collaborate to serve children and families.

Specific assignments and shadowing opportunities will be determined based on the student's academic requirements, interests, skill level, confidentiality requirements, and available Department projects and activities.

Educational Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Be pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services, or a related field.
• Be able to meet internship requirements established by their college or university.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate professionalism and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Be able to work collaboratively with Department staff and community partners.
• Have experience using Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Have reliable transportation and the ability to travel to various Department locations and/or community sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• An interest in child welfare, juvenile justice, human services, social services, Family Court, or public administration.
• An interest in working with children, youth, and families involved with government service systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to conduct research, review information, and maintain accurate records.
• A willingness to learn government policies, procedures, programs, and information systems.
• An interest in gaining a broader understanding of careers within state government and public service.

What You'll Gain

This internship is designed to provide meaningful professional exposure while helping students explore potential career paths. Interns will have opportunities to develop their communication, research, organizational, and professional skills while learning how multidisciplinary teams and government agencies work together to serve children, youth, and families.

Students seeking internship hours, academic credit, professional experience, or greater exposure to careers in criminal justice, human services, social services, child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health, and public administration are encouraged to apply.

DMSS exists primarily to provide support and advocacy on behalf of the department’s three operating divisions – to be the “lifeline to the frontline.” We are successful as a division when we can help our frontline staff be as good as they can possibly be as they serve Delaware’s children and families.

DMSS primarily provides administrative support, consultation, and technical support throughout the Delaware Children’s Department in critical areas such as human resources, information technology, facilities management, and a range of fiscal management services. In carrying out those services, DMSS is the principle contact with the State’s central agencies and governmental offices. DMSS also provides education to youth who are served in a range of residential and day treatment programs. Please refer to the list on the left under Management Support for a more complete description of our services.

Our mission is “Helping Those Who Help Children and Families” – a charge which brings new challenges to our staff each and every day!