Proposed Funding Cut Worries Area CASA Program

BERLIN – Federal funding cuts could soon mean big changes for one of Worcester County’s key child advocacy groups.

A portion of funding for CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates — in Worcester County could be in jeopardy. According to Brigitte Southworth, CASA director, the roughly $26,000 a year the organization usually receives through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) could be cut by Congress in the coming weeks. She says local volunteers have been busy asking area politicians to do what they can to oppose the move.

“They’ve been inundated with calls,” Southworth said.

According to Southworth, in Worcester County CASA advocates for local children who get caught up in the legal system.

“These are kids that have been abused or neglected and are in the court system,” she said.

More