February 9, 2026 3:20 a.m. 

Court Appointed Special Advocates programs around Oregon, including in Douglas County, will receive a total of $1.031 million in Federal Community Project Funding as advanced by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici.

A release from the Oregon CASA Network said the money was approved in the Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for FY 2026.

Funding for CASA programs will be distributed across the state to recruit, screen and support community volunteers who advocate for children in foster care.

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici said, “Children who have experienced abuse or neglect face many challenges”. Congresswoman Bonamici said, “Kids are resilient, but they can better face their challenges when they have support and a trusted adult in their lives. I’m grateful to have secured more than $1 million to help Oregon CASA pair more foster children with caring, trained volunteers who can advocate on their behalf”.

The release said after a series of financial challenges in 2025, CASA programs were forced to amend their budgets, spend down their limited reserves, eliminate positions and in some cases, serve fewer children”. Executive Director of the Oregon CASA Network, Stephanie Brown said, “As a result of Congresswoman Bonamici’s support, CASA programs across the state are now better positioned to meet the needs of children in their communities”. Brown said, “In 2025, 3,800 children were served by 1,800 CASA volunteers. This represents 56 percent of the total we need across the state”. Brown said the community project funding will advance CASA’s work as they continue to ensure the most vulnerable children in Oregon have an advocate standing up for their needs.

CASA of Douglas County Executive Director Angela Gross said currently the Oregon CASA Network is evaluating the most effective allocation formula to distribute resources among all local CASA programs as fairly as possible.