Backup Documents 03/09/2010 Item # 4B
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PROCLAMA TION
WHEREAS, the Collier County Guardian ad Litem Program, which is part of the
Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office, is dedicated to advocating for
abused. abandoned and neglected children who are in court, the chl1d
welfare system or the community at large: and.
WHEREAS, the Collier County Guardian ad Litem Program has been dedicated to
supporting volunteers who represent chl1d victims since 1980 through a
dedicated staff and partnerships with Collier County government, the
State of Florida, and the private sector: and.
WHEREAS, Voices for Kids of Southwest Florida, a non-profit organization,
operates as one entity with the Guardian ad Litem Program to represent
and support the best interests of Southwest Florida's most vulnerable
population - abused, abandoned and neglected chl1dren: and.
WHEREAS, Voices for Kids and the Guardian ad Litem Program work together
toward the goal of representing 100% of chl1dren who need a Guardian
ad Litem volunteer, and to provide resources to meet the special needs
of children unavailable through any other source in the community: and.
WHEREAS, 150 volunteers contribute over 1500 hours each month to be the voices
in court and the advocates within the community for about 425 children
in Collier County: and.
WHEREAS, there are many dependent children in Collier County still in need of a
Guardian ad Litem volunteer: and.
WHEREAS, both Voices for Kids and the Guardian ad Litem Program participate
locally and statewide in speaking to legislators and community leaders
about abused. neglected, and abandoned chlldren's needs, joining
nationally with the Court Appointed Special Advocate Association.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the 80ard of County Commissioners of Collier
County, Florida, that March be designated as
GUARDIAN AD LITEM MONTH
in Collier County and urge all citizens to recognize and honor Guardian ad
Litem and Voices for Kids volunteers.
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 9th Day of March, 2010.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUIER COUNTY. FLORIDA
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FRED COYLE, CHAIRMAN, . \ .
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ATTEST:
E BROCK, CLERK