Now that the dust has settled on the VOCA cuts announced last fall - you may have wondered how those cuts have actually impacted what we do here at Canopy Center and most importantly, how it affects the kids and families we serve.
So, let’s break it down.
What Is VOCA?
VOCA stands for the Victims of Crime Act, a federal program that provides essential funding for services to crime victims - including child abuse survivors. Here’s what makes it unique: VOCA dollars don’t come from taxes. They come from criminal fines and penalties paid by offenders. That money goes into the Crime Victims Fund, which is then distributed by the U.S. Department of Justice to states like Wisconsin, who award grants to local organizations like us.
Why Were VOCA Funds Cut?
Unfortunately, the Crime Victims Fund has been drying up. There’s been a major decline in federal prosecutions and large legal settlements, which means fewer dollars are being collected - and that directly impacts services for victims across the country.
In fact, VOCA funding has dropped between 50-70% nationally since 2018.
Congress tried to address the problem by passing the VOCA Fix Act in 2021, requiring more types of legal settlements to contribute to the fund. It’s a step in the right direction, but it will take time to stabilize the fund.
What’s Happening in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has not been immune to these cuts.
VOCA funding across the state dropped from $44 million to $13 million annually.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice asked the state legislature for $68 million to fill the gap, over two years.
The budget that passed? It included $20 million for the first year only - and zero dollars for victim services in the second year of the budget cycle.
That’s a temporary patch on a long-term problem.
What Does This Mean for Canopy Center?
Canopy Center has relied on VOCA funding since 2005. For the past eight years, we received about $504,000 annually to support our services for child abuse victims. With the new restrictions and funding limits, we’re now receiving just $101,000 per year.
That’s an 80% drop.
Here’s what that funding supports:
- Therapy and advocacy for kids and families who’ve experienced trauma.
- Specialized staff who are trained to support child abuse survivors and provide trauma-informed care.
- Flexibility. Like waiving the fee for a missed therapy appointment, because sometimes trauma prevents survivors from being able to show up, or even leave their home.
- Showing up in court for a child who has to testify against their abuser, sometimes for multiple days. This type of support from a trained therapist who has a relationship with the child can be invaluable to the healing process.
VOCA funding allows us to meet families where they are - emotionally, physically, financially. And honestly? We've not found another funding source to completely replace this support.
Where Do We Go from Here?
As we head into the second half of 2025, we’re doing what we always do: adapting, planning, and putting families first. We built up our reserve funds so that we could weather some of the storm, and we’ve made difficult budget decisions to stretch every dollar. This includes:
- Reducing transportation support for families and volunteers.
- Scaling back training opportunities for staff.
- Using one-time state funds to help cover some staffing costs this year.
But unless sustainable, multi-year solutions are found, the cuts will reach further - into services, into programs, and into the direct care we provide.
How Can You Help?
We don’t take lightly the trust our community places in us. And we work every day to make sure no child falls through the cracks. If VOCA cuts matter to you, if the idea of fewer supports for child abuse survivors makes you uneasy, now is the time to act:
- Donate, if you’re able. Every dollar helps us bridge the gap.
- Advocate, by reaching out to legislators and asking for long-term solutions for victim services.
- Share this, so more people understand what's at stake.
Because when funding disappears, so do services. And the kids we serve? They can’t wait.
