House Passes Porter Amendment to Support Child Survivors of Abuse and Neglect

Statement

Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) today introduced an amendment to increase funding for a program that recruits and trains volunteers who advocate on behalf of child survivors of abuse, neglect, and abandonment in courtrooms and other settings. The amendment was adopted on a broad bipartisan basis.

"At CASA of Orange County, and other CASAs across the country, their mantra is "I am for the Child,'" said Congresswoman Porter when introducing the amendment on the House floor. "As a mother of three children, I am proud to stand here as an advocate for children in Orange County and across the country who experience abuse and neglect."

Rep. Porter's amendment increases funding for the court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and guardian ad litem program. The amendment has the support by CASA of Orange County and the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association.

"CASAs often play a role in identifying early intervention resources, assist with family finding, and help youth transition to adulthood. CASA volunteers work to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of nearly 800 foster youth in Orange County. CASA volunteers spend considerable time with the youth, investigate the circumstances of the child's life and make recommendations about the best interests of their children to judges. They understand best practices and the systemic problems facing foster youth. CASA of Orange County supports Congresswoman Katie Porter's amendment to increase funding for the CASA organization," explains Regan Phillips, CEO of CASA of Orange County.

"Every child victim of abuse and neglect in California and across the country deserves the caring and dedicated support of a court-appointed special advocate to make sure that their needs and rights are met in the courtroom and in the community. We applaud the work of our partners, CASA of Orange County and California CASA, to ensure that the highest quality of services and care are provided to California's most vulnerable children. We are grateful that Congresswoman Porter understands the critical need for these services and her efforts to increase federal CASA program funding will help us meet the needs of additional child victims," stated Tara Perry, Chief Executive Officer, National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Guardian ad Litem Association for Children.

Congresswoman Porter has been a key advocate for children and families in Washington. Earlier this year, she introduced bipartisan legislation to make childcare more affordable. She also joined her House colleagues at an event announcing the introduction of the legislation to extend the Violence Against Women Act, where she shared her family's story dealing with law enforcement as a survivor of domestic violence.

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