Illinois sexual trauma centers face possible staff cuts

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCCU) — The deadline of July 1st is nearing for sexual assault centers to raise donations and continue service following a budget cut by the federal government.

Umbrella organization, Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, ICASA, found out back in January, the federal government will cut funding from the Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) by $9 million.

This impacts all the sexual trauma centers the coalition sends money to in Illinois.

The ICASA Executive Director, Carrie Ward, said members went to lawmakers before the budget passed in May to request an increase to the $8.2 million it already receives in state general revenue funds.

“We asked that they increase our line item by $12 million,” Ward said. “So that would be $9.5 million to offset the VOCA cut and the other $2.5 million to address inflation and workforce expenses.”

Ward said that didn’t happen, but the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) was able to give the coalition a boost just before the budget was finalized.

“We ultimately received a $5 million dollars increase in state general revenue,” Ward said.

But that still leaves the coalition short $7 million of its $20 million goal, which causes individual agencies across the state to miss out on hundreds of thousands of dollars including Quanada. The organization serves Adams, Brown, Pike, and Schuyler County, and it needs about $200,000.

In central Illinois, Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in Champaign County needs about $154,800.

Kari Miller, the Executive Director for CAC, said the organization’s state chapter will share grant money from the Department Of Children And Family Services, but CAC has been fundraising with groups until then.

“We obtained a grant from United Way that will help pay for counseling funds, and we also received an increase in our Champaign County Mental Health Grant,” Miller explained.

Miller said it’s not clear what the total amount of the grants is, but CAC will spread it to make sure all areas are covered.

“We’ll put all the pieces together,” Miller said. “We’ll do everything we can, so kids don’t have any loss in services.”

Miller also added that CAC is made up of 4 people. If it does have to cut someone, colleagues will have to fulfill another role in order to continue supporting children.

ICASA also said it’s grateful for the $5 million it was able to get through IDHS, but agencies across the state will likely make staff cuts.

ICASA members are planning to meet with Governor JB Pritzker to prevent this issue next year.