VIDEO FOOTAGE FROM MAY: Sen. Ossoff, experts urged the Trump Admin to restore this funding
Atlanta, Ga. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has successfully pressured the Trump Administration to restore Federal support for foster children that the Administration paused earlier this year.
In April, Sen. Ossoff sounded the alarm after the Trump Administration abruptly cut key Federal grants for programs that provide advocacy and support for foster children in Georgia. According to experts, the Administration’s decision threatened the ability of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and volunteers to support children who have faced abuse, neglect, and instability.
Following sustained pressure from Sen. Ossoff and child welfare advocates across Georgia, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has now reversed course and reinstated the funding, according to the National CASA/GAL Association for Children.
“The Trump Administration should never have paused this funding in the first place,” Sen. Ossoff said. “I will continue my oversight to ensure that vulnerable foster children in Georgia and nationwide receive the support Congress directed to them.”
Georgia CASA leaders expressed deep gratitude for Sen. Ossoff’s intervention.
“We sincerely appreciate the support of Senator Ossoff and his team in following up on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) termination of grant funding for the National CASA/GAL network. The reinstatement of funding from DOJ will allow the National CASA/GAL network to continue our critical work on behalf of children who have experienced abuse and neglect and deserve a caring, consistent adult to speak for their best interests in the courtroom and in the community,” said Sally Wilson Erny, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, National CASA/GAL Association for Children.
“This funding is more than just dollars, it is hope for children in foster care. At Atlanta CASA, it means we can continue to stand up for children who need someone in their corner, making sure their voices are heard, and their needs are not overlooked. Restoring this support ensures our volunteers and staff can do what they do best fight for stability, safety, and brighter futures for every child we serve,” said Domonique Cooper, CEO, Atlanta CASA.
“We are deeply grateful to Senator Ossoff for championing this funding. His support ensures that CASA volunteers can continue to stand beside children in foster care, giving them a consistent voice and trusted advocate during their most uncertain times. This investment strengthens families and protects the well-being of our community’s most vulnerable children,” said Kate Blair, Executive Director of Savannah/Chatham CASA.
The reinstated funding will allow CASA/GAL volunteers to continue providing life-changing advocacy and support to foster children in Georgia, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Last year, Sen. Ossoff led a 13-month bipartisan investigation into Georgia’s foster care system, uncovering systemic abuse and neglect and issuing a series of recommendations to improve safety, oversight, and support for vulnerable children.
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