Astoria, Ore. – Court-appointed special advocate (CASA) programs in Oregon, which provide essential services to foster children, are grappling with a significant financial setback after losing $1.7 million in federal funding. The loss comes in the wake of the U.S. Congress passing the Continuing Resolution Budget on Friday, which eliminated all community project funding for the year. The funding was intended to help CASA programs continue their operations and explore more sustainable solutions to their financial challenges.
CASA programs, which connect foster children with trained, trusted adults to advocate for their well-being within the foster care and court systems, are facing an uncertain future. According to Kendra Jones, executive director of CASA of Lane County, the loss of federal support could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s vulnerable children.
“We operate on one staff to 30-35 volunteer ratio,” Jones explained. “For every position we lose, that could impact 35 volunteers and 70 children.”
Despite the setback, CASA of Lane County has managed to stay financially stable due to strategic investments in its operating reserves. “We are in a healthy position,” said Jones. “We’ve made thoughtful moves to ensure we’re financially sound, and we have no debt.” However, Jones acknowledged that the impact of the funding cuts will likely vary across the state, leaving other CASA programs more vulnerable.
The loss of federal funding underscores the urgent need for a permanent solution to support CASA programs. Currently, two bills in the Oregon legislature—House Bill 5002 and House Bill 3196—are under consideration and could provide crucial assistance. Both bills have garnered bipartisan support and could offer some relief to CASA programs struggling to make up for the lost funding.
While CASA of Lane County is in a relatively stable position, the future of CASA programs across the state depends on the outcome of these legislative efforts. As foster children across Oregon continue to navigate a challenging system, the CASA program’s ability to provide advocacy and support will remain at risk unless a more sustainable funding solution is found.
