Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

 

Congressman Cardoza has a very personal interest in this issue. Seven years ago he adopted two foster children, and has advocated on behalf of adoption and foster children in the California Assembly and in Congress.

 

Currently, only fifty percent of foster children are assigned a CASA volunteer because of a lack of funding for the program. Mr. Cardoza plans to seek a greater authorized and appropriated funding level for the CASA program.

 

The text of Congressman Cardoza’s colloquy with Congressman Alan Mollohan (WV-01) is below. 

 

 

Mr. Cardoza: Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word to engage in a colloquy with Chairman Mollohan regarding funding for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. 

 

CHAIRMAN: The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.

 

Mr. Cardoza: The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program does invaluable work. CASA are trained community volunteers who speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. All too often the needs of children can get lost in judicial proceedings and CASA volunteers are there to ensure that the best interests of the child are safeguarded in court proceedings.

 

CASA has significantly grown and matured from its early roots in 1977. In the course of the last thirty years, CASA has grown to a network of more than 50,000 volunteers that serve 225,000 abused and neglected children through 900+ local program offices nationwide.

 

CASA is a program that is near and dear to my heart. Seven years ago, my wife and I adopted two foster children. In the process of adopting my children, I saw up close the vital work that CASA does and since then I have been a big proponent of the program.

 

In fact, I am currently working on a bill to ensure that EVERY child has a CASA volunteer. My bill, which I hope to introduce soon, will give incentives to states to guarantee that all children receive the special attention and care that only CASA volunteers can provide. 

 

While I am pleased that the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill funds the CASA program at the authorized level of $12 million, more needs to be done. I am told by people who run the CASA program that for roughly $30 million, only $18 million dollars more, we can ensure that every child has a CASA representative. While I know that there are many worthy programs competing for scarce dollars, there is no better investment we can make than our children.

 

I am eager to work with the Chairman to ensure that we increase both the authorized and appropriated levels in the CASA program for next year. For a modest increase, we can guarantee that every child receives the care and guidance that only a CASA representative can provide.

 

Mr. Mollohan: Mr. Chairman, would the gentleman from California yield?

 

Mr. Cardoza: I yield to the gentleman from West Virginia.

 

Mr. Mollohan: I thank my friend from California, Mr. Cardoza, for bringing this important matter to the attention of the Committee. CASA is a vital program that has improved the lives of countless children in foster care. I will continue to work with the gentleman on his concerns with the goal of ensuring that soon—every child has a CASA representative. As my colleagues may know, seven years ago the Gentleman from California adopted two foster children. His compassion for this program is personal and commendable.