Court-Appointed Special Advocates Grant Program (US)

Deadline: 18-Mar-22

Applications are now open for the Court-Appointed Special Advocates Grant Program to provide fair, efficient, and effective justice for all, the Maryland Judiciary uses state funds for Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs. Juvenile and Family Services (JFS) awards and manages grant funds.

CASA programs train and supervise volunteer advocates who serve children found to be Children in Need of Assistance (CINA). As a friend of the court, the CASA volunteer is appointed by the judge to represent the child's best interests. CASA programs operate in Maryland.

Grant Purpose

JFS offers CASA grants to support CASA programs. These programs train and support volunteer advocates who provide the court with information about the children they serve. This information helps the court make decisions in the child's best interest and ensures that the child receives appropriate case planning and services. FY22 grants should be used to maintain current CASA programs and increase capacity in areas of highest need.

Eligibility Criteria

JFS awards two types of CASA grants: CASA Start-Up Grants and CASA Grants.

• CASA Grant Eligibility
  • To be eligible to receive a CASA Grant, an applicant must be a:
    • State or local government administering a CASA program, or
    • Non-profit organization administering a CASA program, or
    • Institution of higher education administering a CASA program. AND,
    • the program must also:
    • Be a member in good standing of the National CASA Association and be in compliance with NCASAA standards;
    • Be a member in good standing of the Maryland CASA Association and in compliance with Maryland CASA standards;
    • Demonstrate the ability (i.e. experience and expertise) to provide the service (NOTE: Qualifications of all new Program Directors must be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts prior to budget approval and release of funds);
    • Demonstrate adequate internal financial controls to properly administer grant funds;
    • For CASA programs who have received AOC funding in the prior year, submit all required reports and documentation prior to submitting an application for funding in a subsequent year; and
    • Be in compliance with all Grant Conditions.
• CASA Start-Up Grant Eligibility
  • To be eligible to receive a one-time CASA Start-Up Grant, an applicant must be a state or local government, or non-profit organization, or institution of higher education in a jurisdiction where there is not presently an established and active CASA program, but where one is being planned. The program must demonstrate that they are working in conjunction with the Maryland CASA Association when starting a program for a jurisdiction. Programs interested in applying for a CASA Start-Up Grant must contact JFS in advance of the CASA application due date.

For more information, visit Maryland Judiciary.

For more information, visit https://mdcourts.gov/procurement/grants