Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil Achieves Victory with a Bipartisan Effort to Protect Funding for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (D-Jackson), a champion for children's rights, has achieved a significant victory in her fight to preserve funding for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. Through her leadership and bipartisan efforts, Senator Alvarado-Gil successfully led a joint request supported by 41 lawmakers from both houses and parties, urging the Appropriations Committee to reject Governor Newsom's proposed $40 million funding cut to the CASA program. This critical funding supports volunteer advocacy for children who are legal wards of the State.
California is home to the largest number of children and youth in foster care nationwide. These vulnerable young individuals have been removed from their parents or families due to unimaginable abuse and neglect. By law, the courts and the State's social services departments must step in and shield them from further harm. While professionals strive to ensure the well-being of each child, the courts and the child welfare system greatly benefit from the invaluable work of trained volunteer CASA advocates. Judges appoint these advocates to speak for youth who have suffered from abuse or neglect.
Extensive research has demonstrated the profound impact of CASA involvement in children's lives. Children with a CASA are more likely to receive appropriate services, thrive academically, maintain psychological well-being, and find permanent adoptive homes instead of being moved between temporary placements.
"I am pleased to announce that our united bipartisan effort has successfully protected the funding for the CASA program," stated Alvarado-Gil. "Governor Newsom's proposed $40 million funding cut in the 2023 budget threatened the future of these vulnerable children. But today, we rejected this cut and continue our unwavering commitment to preserving CASA funding. Our objective is to reach more children, recruit and train additional volunteers, and provide stability to the dedicated network of providers who tirelessly work to improve the outcomes for foster children. We must invest in their well-being and foster hope for a brighter tomorrow."
The request had the support of 41 lawmakers in both houses and parties. "I am grateful for the collaborative effort exhibited by my colleagues, cutting across the political divide, who came together to amplify the voices of the most vulnerable children in our communities who cannot advocate for themselves," exclaimed Alvarado-Gil. "Together, we have made a powerful statement that California remains committed to protecting and supporting its foster youth."
“I cannot understate the value CASA provides for the foster youth of California,” said Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita). “Ensuring our most vulnerable have access to the resources and care they need to thrive is a wise investment in their future, and the future of California.”
To learn more about Senator Alvarado-Gil please go to: https://sd04.senate.ca.gov/.
Senator Alvarado-Gil represents the 4th Senate District including the Counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.
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