Backup Documents 04/25/2023 Item # 4G 4G
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the family is the indispensable foundation of society; at its best, it performs
tasks that no other entity can hope to duplicate. The family has the primary
responsibility for nurturing children, transmitting our culture, and building the
character traits that make for healthy adults and good citizens; and
WHEREAS, for a variety of reasons, however, some parents are unable to provide a
minimally acceptable level of care for their children, and temporary or
permanent alternative placement is necessary. National Foster Care Month
presents an appropriate opportunity for all of us (public officials, business,
religious, and community leaders, and parents alike) to reflect on the pressures
facing families today and the need for increased efforts to ensure that
abandoned or abused children have the opportunity to live in healthy, loving
homes; and
WHEREAS, the emphasis in foster care must be on the well-being of the child, and public
policy must serve to promote alternative placement that represents actual care
and not mere custody. Because the tasks facing foster parents often include
special challenges, the mothers and fathers whom society qualifies to accept
this added responsibility must be held to a high standard; and
WHEREAS, National Foster Care Month also provides an opportunity to offer public thanks
for the sacrifices and dedication of the many foster parents and concerned
professionals working in the field of foster care. Their jobs require
extraordinary patience and love, and their rewards are often reaped only years
after their primary labor is done -- when the child is grown and fully
appreciates what has been done for him or her; and
WHEREAS, 4KIDS Southwest Florida is propelled by the vision of a home for every child,
serving children and families in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee
counties. 4KIDS Southwest Florida exists to provide loving Christian homes for
these children, keep siblings together, and provides hope and healing to
children;
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that May 2023 be designated as
NATIONAL FOSTER CARE AWARENESS MONTH
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 25th Day of April, 2023.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER OUNTY, FL DAB
RICK LOCAS , CHAIRMAN