CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) organizations in Texas are funded through a combination of sources, including government grants, federal grants, private donations, fundraising events, and support from foundations and corporations. However, the volunteers of CASA organization in Central Texas receive funding through a grant called VOCA. VOCA stands for Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)which was enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on October 12, 1984, creating the Crime Victims Fund. Texas CASA receives this VOCA grant from the Criminal Justice department, and it passes through to
the local programs based on a formula of a $50,000 base amount, $3,000 per outlying county, 45% share of the balance of funds of total children served and 45% share of the balance of funds of the number of active/assigned volunteers. It is anticipated that the VOCA grant could possibly be cut in 2024-2025.

We are proposing that the VOCA grant be increased for the CASA volunteers of Central Texas. These advocates work to ensure that these children are placed in safe homes, provide resources, and speak up for the children’s best interest in court. The amount that is currently funded to CASA only provides a minimal amount for of resources. 

Providing more funding for CASA volunteers who spend and adequate amount of time with children not only provide some relief for the volunteers, but it is also a way to get more volunteers to sign up for CASA, and then more children can get the help these CASA volunteers provide.

This can be a tremendous help to the foster care facilities and foster parents who need support. Children's lives hold more value than currency, saving these children by attracting more capable and responsible volunteers would progress children into a better quality of life.

More appreciation for the CASA volunteers would allow an expansion of children getting to experience exhilarating activities through events from their CASA volunteers.