CASA programs in Oregon, which advocate for children in the foster care system, face a budget shortfall after community project funding was eliminated from the federal budget bill passed by Congress on March 14 to avoid a federal government shutdown.

The Oregon CASA Network would have received $1.7 million to support 19 CASA programs, according to Kat Hendrix, executive director of the Oregon CASA Network.

CASA of Eastern Oregon serves Baker, Grant, Union, Wallowa, Harney, Malheur and Lake counties, while the Umatilla-Morrow CASA program serves children in those counties.

“The full impact remains to be seen, but it does put a strain on the budget,” Hendrix said.

CASA programs previously received Victims of Crime Act funding, and the $1.7 million from community program funding would have filled the gap while working on a more permanent solution, Hendrix said.

“Cuts to community project funding in the federal spending bill now leave CASA programs facing difficult decisions that will directly impact our ability to advocate for children and youth in foster care due to abuse or neglect,” Hendrix said in a press release.

What is a CASA?

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. A CASA volunteer completes training, then is appointed by a judge to advocate for a child who is in the foster care system. The CASA spends time learning about the child’s situation, and makes a recommendation to the court that he or she believes is in the best interest of the child.

“CASA volunteers do a very challenging job to advocate for children in foster care,” Hendrix said in a press release. “They are trained and supported by professional staff members. Losing this funding will mean that most CASA programs will not have sufficient funds to support the people already doing this important work, let alone expand to serve more children.”

She said one staff member supports 30 CASA volunteers, and each volunteer advocates for one child or sibling group. Currently, 65% of Oregon children and youth in foster care are assigned to a CASA.

“The reason there isn’t a CASA for every child in foster care is because CASA programs across the state do not have enough funding for the staffing needed to recruit, train, and supervise more CASA volunteers,” Hendrix said.

A CASA could stay with the same child for up to two years. That longevity, Hendrix said, “builds an authentic relationship and bond between the CASA and the child.”

“We are serving the most vulnerable among us,” she said.

She said less funding could result in reduced staff, which in turn could affect the number of volunteers.

“It results in fewer kids being served,” she said.

Children in foster care, she said, “have already experienced great loss and trauma.”

“Having the consistent support of one trusted adult dramatically decreases the impact of adverse childhood experiences which has life-long positive results,” she said. “Children and youth in foster care are at risk of losing this benefit that so dramatically improves their lives.”

She said two bills are being considered by the Oregon State Legislature this session — House Bill 5002 and House Bill 3196 — that could have a positive impact for CASA programs in Oregon, and both received bipartisan support.

“I encourage every Oregonian who cares about children in foster care to contact their local legislator,” Hendrix said. “Children and youth in foster care are depending on us.”

She also suggested working with the local CASA program for advocacy efforts, as well as supporting local fundraising efforts.

For CASA of Eastern Oregon, donations can be made online at casaeo.org, Venmo, or checks mailed to 2024 Main St., Baker City. Donations of items, gift cards and office supplies are appreciated as well, said Mary Collard, executive director of CASA of Eastern Oregon. A list of needed items is posted on the website.

For information about the Umatilla-Morrow CASA program, or to donate, visit www.umchs.org/o/casa or call 541-667-6169.