20 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY AUGUST 14-20, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com Kids First Budget decision to slash CASA shows California is failing its most vulnerable children. By Juliet Del Rosario and Beth Wilbur FORUM Difficult decisions were made to pass the California state budget this year. We understand lawmakers worked hard to protect essential programs. However, much more could have been done for foster and justice-involved youth. Among the most alarming cuts was the elimination of statewide CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) funding, including for programs serving children in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. For foster and justice-involved youth, being overlooked is nothing new. They are often treated as an afterthought. Yet the state has both a legal and moral obligation to protect them. CASA programs are not only essential, they are required by law. CASA’s advocates are trained volunteers who are then sworn in as officers of the court, appointed by a judge to advocate for an individual child in the foster care or juvenile court system. California’s Rule of Court 5.655 outlines the legal and fiscal standards CASA programs must meet. Yet the lack of steady state funding undermines the state’s own mandate. This means fewer volunteers, fewer children served and more young people navigating hostile systems alone. State funding could have ensured that children across all counties would be served by a trained advocate. Without it, support now varies wildly by region. Smaller and more rural counties have been hit hardest, resulting in children being denied support because of where they live. CASA of Monterey County has 49 children and youth on our waitlist. Twelve new volunteers will be sworn in this week, meaning 119 volunteers serving 119 children. This budget cut is a crisis. Children we fail today grow into struggling adults tomorrow. Without intervention, over half of youth who age out of foster care face homelessness, incarceration or unemployment within two years. Nearly 80 percent of youth in the juvenile justice system end up involved in the adult criminal system. When children receive early and consistent support, they are more likely to thrive into adulthood. CASA services lead to reduced time in the system, stronger educational outcomes and lower rates of recidivism. Volunteer advocates help ensure each child’s safety and well-being while guiding them through complex systems. These outcomes ultimately save the state and counties money. We are grateful for our community members, partners and donors stepping up to protect these life-changing services. California has made repeated commitments to child well-being but continues to leave foster and justice-involved youth behind. Lawmakers can choose to prioritize these children. Let’s align our values with meaningful investment. These children deserve better. Juliet Del Rosario is president of CASA of Monterey County and Beth Wilbur is executive director. This is co-written with John Schilling and Jessica Ravetz, CASA of San Benito president and executive director; and Paz Padilla and Lynne Petrovic, CASA of Santa Cruz president and executive director. OPINION The state has both a legal and moral obligation. UNIVERSITY PLAZA SEASIDE’S LIFESTYLE SHOPPING CENTER UPSEASIDE.COM 1760 FREMONT BLVD, SEASIDE For leasing opportunities call (831) 899-2232 Order Online at HarumiSeaside.Menu11.com • (831) 899-9988 OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH & DINNER ONLY THE FINEST ANDTHE FRESHEST RESTAURANT ’23 VOTED Best Thai Food 6 Times! Enjoy Fresh and Flavorful Cuisine Lunch: Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm Dinner: Mon-Thu 4:30-8pm Fri 4:30-8:30pm, Sat 12-9pm Last seating 20 mins before closing 1760 Fremont Blvd #F1 • Seaside • University Plaza • 394-2996 • BaanThaiSeaside.com NOW LEASING Restaurant / Bakery Space Ground Floor Retail Shop Space Second Floor Offices (Small) JOIN OUR TENANT COMMUNITY!
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