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.

Many vulnerable communities will feel the impact of these budget cuts, but for foster and justice-involved youth, being overlooked is nothing new. They are often left out of critical decisions and treated as an afterthought. Yet the state has both a legal and moral obligation to protect them. With the fourth-largest economy in the world, California has the resources. Lawmak

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