A Shocking Update About Funding for CASA Programs

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Friday, Apr 25, 2025

On April 22nd the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an abrupt, unexpected announcement to the National CASA Association. Along with over 350 other organizations, National CASA was informed by DOJ that all of their active federal grants were terminated—effective immediately—citing that National CASA “no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities,” of the DOJ, which includes “protecting American children.” This ended $25 million of federal grant support for CASA at a national and local level that had been ongoing unbroken since 1994—through five different presidential administrations. It seems particularly noteworthy that this decision was shared with our network of volunteer-based programs serving child victims of abuse or neglect during National Volunteer Appreciation Week and Child Abuse Prevention Month. This was a shocking decision for CASA programs across the country, and it may cause the complete dissolution of some of those programs that rely heavily on federal funding. More information is available here.

Our Lake County CASA program isn’t going anywhere. Our strength comes from broad support across our community. Our services don’t hinge on National CASA grants or any other federal funding, but we do regularly benefit from support and guidance from National CASA, and our program has frequently received funding for special projects through this specific grant program. In fact, our program was in the process of preparing a $100,000 grant request proposal for these funds to improve volunteer recruitment efforts when this news emerged.

This news will bring a great deal of uncertainty to CASA programs throughout the country, but one thing is more certain than ever. If our community believes that EVERY child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential—if our community intends for EVERY child to have a chance to thrive in a safe, loving home—then the responsibility is on EACH of us to make it happen.