Backup Documents 5/23/2023 Item # 4B 4 b
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, children are key to our community's future success, prosperity, and
quality of life and have a right to thrive, learn, and grow in a safe
and loving environment; and
WHEREAS, we must come together as a community to recognize the importance
of caring for children who have experienced abuse and neglect,
supporting family reunification, and building strong communities; and
WHEREAS, the primary reasons for children being removed from the parents and
entering foster care are parental substance abuse, inability to cope
and care for the child, and inadequate supervision; and
WHEREAS, there are numerous individuals, nonprofit organizations, and public
servants who are dedicated to raising awareness about the needs of
children and teens in foster care; and
WHEREAS, there are 53 licensed foster homes in Collier County with a bed
capacity of 101 children, yet on average 302 children are served
each month in Collier County, and in the past 12 months, 49 children
were adopted into permanent, loving homes; and
WHEREAS, through partnerships, nonprofit organizations, child welfare staff,
and public and private agencies, there is a collaborative effort to
ensure that children in the foster care system are supported and
successful;
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of
Collier County, Florida, that May 2023 be designated as
NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 23RD Day of May 2023.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
7-----
JJJ
RICK LO STRO, CHAIRMAN