BEND — The National CASA/GAL Association is appealing an order to suspend federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice.

Court appointed special advocates and guardian ad litem volunteers make recommendations on behalf of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. According to 2021 statistics, 4,581 children, youths and young adults received services from Oregon CASA programs.

According to a press release from Oregon CASA Network Executive Director Kat Hendrix, the federal funds provided support for training and assistance to 19 CASA programs across the state. The order to terminate the funding was effective April 22, suspending services previously coordinated at the national level.

Despite challenges with the decreased funding, Hendrix said the OCN remains strong, united and unwavering in its mission. She said local CASA programs remain committed to advocating for children in their care.

“Our local CASA programs serve children in every county in Oregon and are deeply rooted in their communities,” Hendrix said. “Our network has a long and proven track record of adapting in the face of challenges—and this moment is no different.”

She said CASA programs are focused on providing uninterrupted advocacy for Oregon’s most vulnerable children. They are finding alternative funding sources, expanding partnerships at the local and state levels, and investing in the capacity and resilience of the statewide network.

Hendrix encourages community members to call on state legislators to support House bills 5002 and 3196. Both state funding requests, she said, are even more critical because of the recent federal funding losses.

For more information, search www.oregoncasanetwork.org or contact Hendrix at khendrix@oregoncasanetwork.org or 971-469-9562.