CASA/GAL Programs in Foster Care Loses Federal Funding

BREAKING – Foster care loses federal funding programs for CASA and GAL, cutting critical support for the volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children in court.

The National CASA/GAL Association for Children just lost millions of dollars in federal funding due to federal government cuts. This group trains volunteers—called Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs)—who help speak up for kids in foster care. These volunteers are often the only steady adults in a foster child’s life.

The funding was cut by the Trump Administration, along with money for many other nonprofits. These cuts are part of a bigger effort to reduce government spending.  

CASA is one of the most well-known foster care programs in the country. The Association standardizes guidelines for over 900 programs nationally and helps pass along federal funding. According to reporting from The Imprint, a news outlet focused on child welfare, National CASA has had to stop awarding grants to local programs and is now appealing the decision.

Why It’s a Big Deal

Without this vital funding, many CASA programs across the country could disappear. This means fewer kids will have someone in court to look out for them. This loss will affect nearly 100,000 children in foster care who rely on CASA services every year. 

These dedicated volunteers are often the only consistent voice in a child’s life. They visit children in their placements, speak up for children in court, and guide judges toward decisions that protect their well-being. Without their vital support, even more foster youth risk being overlooked in a system already stretched thin.

Community Support is More Important Now Than Ever

When major federal programs like National CASA lose funding, the ripple effects are felt throughout the entire child welfare system. Fewer volunteers means fewer adults advocating for children’s safety and stability in court. Local agencies become overburdened. Judges make decisions with less insight. And the kids (many already traumatized) are left with even fewer people in their corner.

That’s why now, more than ever, communities must step up. We can’t rely solely on government programs to meet every need. It takes all of us—neighbors, friends, and caring strangers—to ensure that children in foster care feel seen, supported, and safe.

We can’t rely on government funding alone. We need the community to get involved. 

At Foster Love, we’re doing our part to fill in those gaps. But we can’t do it without you. Here’s how you can help:

• Donate: Every dollar helps us give foster youth what they need to thrive.
• Volunteer: Your time and energy can make a lasting difference.
• Speak up: Call or email your local leaders and tell them foster care programs matter. Ask them to support federal funding for groups that help children in need.

While we can’t control national decisions, we can control how we respond. Together, we can make sure foster youth still receive the care and attention they deserve.

What Foster Love Offers to Help Bridge Gaps

Foster Love steps up when other systems fall short. We don’t rely on federal funding to do our work, we rely on people like you. And now, that support matters more than ever.

Here’s how Foster Love helps foster youth:

• Shopping Sprees: Kids get to pick out their own new clothes—often for the first time in their lives.
• Disney Days: We reunite brothers and sisters separated in foster care with a magical day together.
• Birthday Boxes, Bikes & Bags: We deliver essentials, birthday gifts, and bikes to kids who need them.
  Feeding Families: We support foster families with food and resources during the holidays and beyond.

These programs give kids hope, dignity, and connection they deserve.

Let’s Stand With the Foster Community!

Losing federal funding doesn’t just hurt organizations, it hurts children. These are kids who’ve already faced trauma and loss. They deserve support, stability, and a chance to thrive.

Foster Love is committed to filling the gap, but we can’t do it alone.

If there was ever a time to get involved, it’s now.