National CASA/GAL Federal Funding Terminated
On April 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued over 360 notices of termination of federal grant awards. National CASA/GAL was one of the organizations that received notices. According to the notices, the three grants to National CASA/GAL are being terminated because they “no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities,” which includes “protecting American children.” Since that is in fact the mission of the CASA/GAL program, we strongly disagree with the decision to terminate the grants.
For over 30 years, Congress has funded the CASA program to support advocacy for children involved in abuse and neglect cases. This loss will immediately impact training, technical assistance, and funding to local programs nationwide, affecting more than 200,000 children. National CASA/GAL suspended all DOJ-funded services and subawards. While an appeal is underway, the loss of Office of Justice Programs funding puts the future of CASA advocacy at serious risk.
Locally, the Savannah CASA program faces a loss of $110,000 in funding. As a result, we have been forced to eliminate our paid advocate pilot and the Recruitment & Training Specialist position—critical resources that helped us recruit, train, and support volunteers who stand by children navigating foster care. Without immediate action, more children in our community could go without an advocate.
We need your voice:
Please contact your U.S. Senators and Representative today and urge them to reach out to the DOJ to oppose the termination of these critical grants.
On April 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued over 360 notices of termination of federal grant awards. National CASA/GAL was one of the organizations that received notices. According to the notices, the three grants to National CASA/GAL are being terminated because they “no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities,” which includes “protecting American children.” Since that is in fact the mission of the CASA/GAL program, we strongly disagree with the decision to terminate the grants.
For over 30 years, Congress has funded the CASA program to support advocacy for children involved in abuse and neglect cases. This loss will immediately impact training, technical assistance, and funding to local programs nationwide, affecting more than 200,000 children. National CASA/GAL suspended all DOJ-funded services and subawards. While an appeal is underway, the loss of Office of Justice Programs funding puts the future of CASA advocacy at serious risk.
Locally, the Savannah CASA program faces a loss of $110,000 in funding. As a result, we have been forced to eliminate our paid advocate pilot and the Recruitment & Training Specialist position—critical resources that helped us recruit, train, and support volunteers who stand by children navigating foster care. Without immediate action, more children in our community could go without an advocate.
We need your voice:
Please contact your U.S. Senators and Representative today and urge them to reach out to the DOJ to oppose the termination of these critical grants.
CONTACT YOUR FEDERAL LEGISLATORS
Not in Chatham County, Georgia? Find your senator here and your representative here.
CONTACT YOUR STATE LEGISLATORS
Find your state legislators here.
Sample email or call script:
Dear [Senator or Representative Name],
The Department of Justice’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program plays a vital role in supporting volunteer advocacy for children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect. On April 22, the National CASA/GAL Association unexpectedly received Termination of Award notices for all active grants from the Department of Justice’s CASA program. This sudden decision will have immediate and far-reaching consequences on programs across the country, including our own.
In Savannah, the CASA program—administered through Brightside Advocacy—has been forced to eliminate a paid advocate and family-finding pilot and terminate our Recruitment and Training Specialist position. These cuts represent a loss of $110,000 in critical funding, directly impacting our ability to serve children in foster care. Without intervention, this decision threatens our capacity to recruit, train, and retain enough volunteers to advocate for every child in need.
We are asking for your immediate support. Please contact the Department of Justice to express concern over the termination of these grants and urge reconsideration of this abrupt and damaging decision. The children we serve have already faced significant trauma and instability—this funding helped provide them with a consistent, caring advocate and a better chance at a safe, permanent home.
Thank you for your continued leadership and support for children in Georgia and across the nation.
Sincerely,
The Department of Justice’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program plays a vital role in supporting volunteer advocacy for children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect. On April 22, the National CASA/GAL Association unexpectedly received Termination of Award notices for all active grants from the Department of Justice’s CASA program. This sudden decision will have immediate and far-reaching consequences on programs across the country, including our own.
In Savannah, the CASA program—administered through Brightside Advocacy—has been forced to eliminate a paid advocate and family-finding pilot and terminate our Recruitment and Training Specialist position. These cuts represent a loss of $110,000 in critical funding, directly impacting our ability to serve children in foster care. Without intervention, this decision threatens our capacity to recruit, train, and retain enough volunteers to advocate for every child in need.
We are asking for your immediate support. Please contact the Department of Justice to express concern over the termination of these grants and urge reconsideration of this abrupt and damaging decision. The children we serve have already faced significant trauma and instability—this funding helped provide them with a consistent, caring advocate and a better chance at a safe, permanent home.
Thank you for your continued leadership and support for children in Georgia and across the nation.
Sincerely,
