ARCATA -- Children, American Indian tribes, government agencies and the community at large will benefit from Humboldt State University's new Masters in Social Work program, supporters say.

Around 20 of those supporters gathered Monday at a press conference announcing the new program.

Social Work Department Chairwoman Pamela Brown said it developed after community members said it was needed, and will create a "continuum of care" with CR's human services program and HSU's existing bachelor's program.

The Humboldt and Del Norte children and families commissions contributed a combined $200,000 in "seed money" to start the program.

Wendy Rowan, director of the Humboldt County Children and Families Commission, said the commission wants to increase the number of children who are thriving in healthy families.

"We need a work force that can serve our target population," she said.

Brown said social workers play a role in the lives of many people in the community "whether it is a third-grader struggling to stay in school, an elderly man who has survived a stroke who cannot return home, a mother trying to protect her child from violence or a father who has been injured and will not be able to continue the employment that supports his family."

Where a social worker with a bachelor's degree can work in entry-level positions such as case management, someone with a master's degree in social work has more autonomy and can be a leader in fields such as mental health, social services and community development, said program director Ken Nakamura.

Felice Pace, director of social services for the Yurok Tribe, said that when the tribe recently sought two social workers "I was amazed at how few applicants we had."

Gary Blatnick, director of the Del Norte County Social Services Department, said social workers with graduate degrees are scarce but tend to take leadership roles.

Yurok Tribal Chairman Howard McConnell said he hopes program graduates can help shape the still-developing tribal government.

"We want our people, in our communities, to be a part of the process," said Barry McCovey, self-governance officer for the tribe.

HSU's program will particularly emphasize rural and American Indian communities, Nakamura said.

Professor Maria Bartlett, who will teach a class on values and ethics, said she thinks HSU's curriculum will stand out among other programs.

Lecturer Ronnie Swartz said he looks forward to teaching students about the economic foundation of social policies.

Professor John Gai said one member of the accrediting agencies reviewing the program's mission statement said, "This is far too idealistic." Gai considered it a compliment of the program's philosophy of healthy communities in which everyone works together.

Humboldt County Health and Human Services Director Phil Crandall said current social workers can gain professional development, even while working since the program allows for part-time students. And since Medi-Cal reimburses clinical social workers with master's degrees at a higher rate, it will also bring in more money to the counties, he added.

The CSU trustees are expected to put their final stamp of approval on the program soon, and students will be able to take courses in the fall.