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Each Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program professionally trains and carefully screens volunteers to become CASA volunteers in juvenile court for children who have been abused and neglected. These volunteers advocate for the best interests of the child with the goal of securing a safe, permanent home. Tennessee state law allows for judges to appoint CASA volunteers to “speak up” for the child’s best interests.

Our ability to continue offering these vital services is now at risk. Across Tennessee, organizations like ours are facing a budget crisis. Together, we serve victims of child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, domestic violence, or sexual assault. We help victims find safety and healing by providing services such as crisis response, housing, trauma counseling, and legal services.

That’s why we are joining with organizations across Tennessee to call on our state leaders to establish a $25 million recurring budget line item for victim services. This investment would ensure we can continue offering safe shelters, legal advocacy, counseling, and more — ultimately breaking cycles of violence and creating safer communities for all.

CASA programs across Tennessee would receive approximately $1,205,000 of the $25 million budget request for the Tennessee Victim Service Providers Alliance. This represents 17+ local CASA programs and Tennessee CASA to operate at current levels of service.

Cuts to this funding would mean that children who have experienced abuse and neglect could lose their CASA volunteers and “voices” in juvenile court at the most vulnerable times of their lives. Children are in this situation through no fault of their own. There are 20,000 children in Tennessee who need CASA volunteers to speak up for them. 

Last year alone, our CASA program in Coffee County trained 3 volunteers who served 91 children. While CASA volunteers provide extra “eyes and ears” to the local juvenile court judge, they also provide extra “arms and legs” to the Department of Children’s Services (DCS).  It is widely known the volume of work for each DCS worker as well as the complexity and intensity of each case.  CASA volunteers can help by collecting and sharing records, spending more time with the child and family, and reporting any concerns. 

Justice for victims is the surest path to safety for all. By investing in our most vulnerable populations, including children who have been abused and neglected, we invest in a stronger, safer Tennessee.

Wanda Strayhorn is the Executive Director of CASA Works, Inc., which oversees Bedford, Coffee, Franklin and Warren counties.