2 weeks Ago By Tyler Nicole
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Hundreds of CASA workers, also known as court-appointed special advocates and guardians, have been let go as part of the latest round of cuts by the Trump Administration. Our local organization was not spared.
More than $100,000 dollars. That's how much has been cut from our local CASA, also known as Brightside Child and Family Advocacy. Executive Director Kate Blair said they were not expecting this, and this decision is only going to cost more for everyone in the end.
"These kinds of cuts aren't going to result in less children in care. And those children still need services," Blair said. There are CASA offices located in 49 states, including right here in Savannah.
They serve our most vulnerable population, children, and rely on federal funding to fund job positions and program initiatives. At 11 p.mm Wednesday night, they were told they would no longer be receiving a vital grant and funding would be cut off effective immediately.
"So, it's not just impacting our program and our need for finding new revenue, but it will result in a reduction of staff and in our ability to serve all the children in foster care," Blair said. The federal funding cut comes from the Trump Administration and their latest round of cuts. National CASA/GAL said this is the reason they were told funding would be cut.
"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."Blair said, "Our program is one of the few in the state that serves 100% of children in care, and we're very proud of that.
But we can't do this work without funding."Blair said she wants the community to know it's all of our problems, and we must do what we can to help those who can't do for themselves. "These children are not going to get the services that they deserve, which is going to result in poor outcomes, which means they're not going to exit foster care or be reunified with their parents, which is going to result in more costs to us as a society," Blair said.
"So even financially, it doesn't make sense to not support our kids."As of now they are still looking for extra support to replace the funding they are losing. If you would like to donate you can click or tap here.
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