Local CASA program urges Hall County support as federal funds decline

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) representatives told the Hall County Board of Commissioners that federal cuts and rising caseloads are straining the program and asked for increased local support.

The CASA board liaison, speaking during a public-comment segment, said the local program served 76 children with a three-person staff and has seen funding reductions from federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants and from other sources. She said community donations and United Way support make up a large share of local funding and appealed for more stable county funding to sustain volunteer recruitment and casework.

CASA’s liaison said the program covers Hall, Howard, Hamilton and Merrick counties and relies on community donations for clothing, bedding and in-kind support. She told commissioners the program received “just over $10,000” in VOCA funding in a recent cycle and described subsequent cuts to that source. She also said community fundraising efforts including an annual giving campaign produced nearly $7,000 this year and that roughly $15,000 a year comes from a combination of smaller county-level contributions and local donations.

The liaison emphasized the work of the volunteer coordinator, Amanda Burton, who manages volunteer screening and assignments, and said volunteers shoulder much of the program’s workload. She described the role as difficult and stressful and said CASA provides “a voice” for children who otherwise might go unheard in court proceedings.

No formal action by the board on county funding was recorded during the public-comment segment. Commissioners did not make an immediate funding commitment during the meeting.

The liaison asked commissioners to consider the program’s request as the county approaches budget season and noted that increased operational costs and rising numbers of children going through the juvenile system have amplified the need for stable funding.