Hi, the Bay Area, California has many good MSW programs in the area: CSU East Bay (formerly hayward), UC Berkeley, Sacramento State, San Jose State, and SF State. Currently, i am a 2nd year student at CSU East Bay, I like thier focus on oppressed and vulnerable populations which is representative of the population in the area (I guess one can make a case for that anywhere!). Berkeley is known for thier focus on research. You mentioned that you worked at a group home, all of these schools have a Title IV-E program stipends that pay you to go to school for the two years, after graduation the contract states that you work for a county child and family services unit for two years (yes you get hired and paid). That is what i'm doing. Most schools have a mental health track or a youth and family services track, others may branch out into school social work, medical social work, and possibly working with the elderly. CSU EB is a new program, currently going through the accredidation process (doing well!). If your wife likes temperate weather year round, visit the Bay Area. Good luck, hope this helps.

thanks for the info Lisa!