GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — For years, federal funds that support victims services have been dwindling. Colorado has approved state funds, but they are at least a year away from paying out. Now, providers are warning the problem has hit a critical level.
One of those providers, SungateKids, has been a place of comfort for decades for kids who've been victims of abuse, or witnessed a crime. Executive Director Diana Goldberg said the supports, therapies and resources they offer help kids and their families to heal -- not just in the moment, but in the long term.
"We are a place where children can feel safe to tell the truth about what has happened to them," Goldberg said.
Like other child advocacy centers around the state, much of their budget is federal, coming from Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, funds. Those dollars have been dwindling for years.
"When VOCA funds are cut, it's devastating to us," Goldberg said. “I hate to say it, because I feel like if you say it, you almost will it into existence, but it may mean we have to cut services. And that's tragic."
SungateKids' VOCA funds were cut 27% for 2025. That's about $100,000.
They're not alone.
Ashley Jellison is the Executive Director of Colorado Children's Alliance, a statewide organization supporting child advocacy centers around the state.
Jellison said all 19 Colorado Children's Alliance centers around the state receive VOCA funds. All have been hit by cuts.
"Next year's funding cuts are about 28% across the state. That does make up just under $1.49 million across the state, across all of the CACs, which is a pretty significant amount. They've never faced cuts this extreme, especially year-to-year," Jellison said.
Last month, voters approved a state supply of victims services funding to help. But they're not likely to see that help until 2026 at the earliest.
Jellison worries kids will pay the price.
"I think more than frustrating though, it's just heartbreaking," Jellison said. "We have the most vulnerable population already, just being children. But also, these are the children that have been abused. They have already slipped through the cracks."
Goldberg said these services are critical to helping kids heal, and to stopping the cycle of abuse. While they search for new funding, they'll stretch resources and budgets tight as they strain to serve their kids on less.
"Kids should be guaranteed the right to a safe childhood and one that's free from abuse, and we can't even guarantee them that. So the very least we can do is guarantee them if they are hurt, if they are abused, we will provide those services to help them heal," Goldberg said.