1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

The Trump Administration's decision to terminate federal funding for the National CASA/GAL Association is deeply concerning and threatens to undermine a vital service that advocates for the wellbeing of abused and neglected children across the country. As a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, National CASA provides training, resources, and oversight to a network of over 900 local CASA programs serving nearly 100,000 vulnerable youth annually. These dedicated volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring children's voices are heard and their best interests are prioritized during difficult family court proceedings. Cutting funding to National CASA, which has received over $300 million in federal grants over the past two decades, jeopardizes the organization's ability to maintain standards, provide training, and distribute funds to local programs. This shortsighted decision puts at risk a proven model of advocacy that has garnered bipartisan support and helped countless children find safe, permanent homes. In the interest of protecting our nation's most vulnerable children, I urge you to take immediate action to reinstate federal funding for the National CASA/GAL Association. This vital program plays an indispensable role in safeguarding the welfare of abused and neglected youth, and its services must be preserved.