1. United States
2. S.D.
3. Letter

The decision to terminate federal funding for the National CASA/GAL Association will have devastating consequences for over 200,000 children involved in child abuse and neglect proceedings across the country. For over 30 years, Congress has recognized the vital role CASA/GAL programs play in advocating for the best interests of vulnerable children by funding this essential work. This funding supports training and technical assistance for a network of nearly 1,000 state and local CASA/GAL programs that recruit and support court-appointed volunteer advocates. These volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children's safety, permanency, and well-being in court cases related to abuse and neglect. Their advocacy makes a life-changing difference for children who have experienced trauma and upheaval. Terminating this funding will directly undermine the Department of Justice's stated goal of "protecting American children" by crippling programs proven to improve outcomes for youth in the child welfare system. I urge you to contact the Department of Justice immediately to express your concern over this decision's far-reaching impacts. The well-being of our nation's most vulnerable children hinges on the continued operation of CASA/GAL programs nationwide. These children deserve to have trained, court-appointed volunteer advocates fighting for their best interests. Reinstate this vital funding to uphold the priority of protecting youth from abuse and neglect.