In a pivotal meeting held on April 17, 2025, the Oregon Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety focused on critical funding issues affecting child advocacy centers (CACs) and victim services across the state. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for financial support to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and families.

A significant point of contention was the request for $6 million to be included in the Department of Justice's ongoing budget, specifically through the proposed budget item POP 3-27. Advocates emphasized that this funding is essential for maintaining stable operations at CACs, which play a crucial role in addressing child abuse. Paul Schrader, board chair of Oregon Child Abuse Solutions, underscored the importance of this funding, sharing how it enabled his center to hire a pediatrician, a position critical for accurately identifying signs of abuse that untrained medical professionals might overlook.

The meeting also addressed the pressing need for backfill funding for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant recipients, as outlined in House Bill 3196. This bill seeks to restore $18.5 million in funding that has been cut, which many CACs rely on to provide essential services. Russell Mark, CEO of Juliet's House, articulated the dire consequences of these cuts, warning that without adequate funding, many centers would face layoffs, leading to longer wait times for children in need of urgent support.

Sarah Stewart, managing director at Kids First, highlighted the impact of funding on service delivery, particularly the need for bilingual forensic interviewers to assist children in sharing their experiences in a language they are comfortable with. The reduction in funding could severely limit the number of children who receive timely and appropriate care, potentially leaving many without the necessary support to heal from trauma.

The testimonies from various advocates painted a stark picture of the challenges faced by CACs and the families they serve. They collectively urged the committee to prioritize funding for these critical services, emphasizing that the well-being of children and the stability of communities depend on it.

In conclusion, the discussions during this meeting underscored the urgent need for legislative action to secure funding for child advocacy centers and victim services in Oregon. As the committee considers these requests, the implications for child safety and community health remain at the forefront of their deliberations. The next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively Oregon can respond to the needs of its most vulnerable populations.