Agenda 03/25/2025 Item # 4C (Proclamation designating May 25, 2025, as Family Abduction Awareness Day)PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, this day raises awareness of those affected by family abduction. These abductions have a
devastating impact, causing deep emotional and psychological trauma not only to the abducted
child but also to the left-behind parent and extended family. Such events often disrupt family
stability and trust, with far-reaching effects on the broader community. While non-family
abductions account for only 1% of missing child reports to the National Center for Missing &
Exploited Children (NCMEC), family abductions make up a significantly larger share of these
cases; and
WHEREAS, May serves as a key time to combat family abductions, reunite missing children with their
families, and recognize those dedicated to protecting society’s most vulnerable. This month
offers an opportunity to raise awareness, support affected families, and strengthen community
efforts to prevent future abductions; and
WHEREAS, a family abduction occurs when a child is taken, wrongfully retained, or concealed by a parent
or other family member, denying another individual their right to custody or visitation, even in
cases with unclear or absent court orders. Such abductions are often driven by the perpetrator’s
frustration with the left-behind parent, the legal system, or personal circumstances; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Chapter of National Parents Organization has a dedicated discussion forum for the
20th Judicial Circuit, providing local parents with support, resources, and advocacy for
affected families, offering a platform where parents share their experiences and seek legal and
policy solutions; as well as active collaboration with law enforcement, the Florida Department
of Children and Families (DCF), school districts, and judicial stakeholders to clarify
enforcement responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, Collier County is committed to protecting children in our community, recognizing that family
abduction is a serious crime in all states, not merely a civil matter. Law enforcement should
treat these incidents as serious forms of child abuse, not minor offenses; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement agencies must establish written procedures for addressing family abductions.
Courts have ruled that officers must verify children’s lawful custodians and court orders, as
failure to implement proper training and policies threatens public safety; and
WHEREAS, demonstrating a shared regional commitment to addressing family abduction, Collier County
joins its neighbors in the 20th Judicial Circuit, including Lee County and Charlotte County
along with the cities of Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral, which have issued similar
proclamations;
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, that
May 25, 2025, be designated as
FAMILY ABDUCTION AWARENESS DAY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 25th Day of March 2025.
Board of County Commissioners
Collier County, Florida
Burt L. Saunders, Chairman
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COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REQUEST FOR PROCLAMATION
Please complete the form below and email to Proclamations@colliercountyfl.gov along with a draft of the
proclamation (Insert language on the Draft Proclamation From linked on the same webpage as this Request
Form). Forms must be submitted a minimum of 13 days prior to the requested meeting date.
Please note: A Commissioner sponsor is required!
COMMISSIONER(S) AGREEING TO SPONSOR: ______________________________________________________
Once the Board agenda is approved by the Chair, staff will contact you to confirm receipt and presentation at an
upcoming Board of County Commissioners meeting. If you have any questions, please email
Proclamations@colliercountyfl.gov or by calling (239) 252-8075.
NAME: CHRIS FELDER
ADDRESS: 3669 DIVOT LN, SARASOTA, FL 34232
PHONE: 214-454-6604
EMAIL: CHRISFELDER@SHAREDPARENTING.ORG
DATE OF THE COMMISSION MEETING BEING REQUESTED FOR PRESENTATION: 3/25/25
TOPIC/REASON FOR THE PROCLAMATION REQUEST: FAMILY ABDUCTION AWARENESS DAY
DOES THIS PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZE A SPECIFIC CALENDAR DATE? 5/25/25 _
HAS THE PROCLAMATION BEEN PRESENTED BY THE BOARD IN PREVIOUS YEARS? NO
NAME OF THE LEAD RECIPIENT AND TITLE (IF APPLICABLE) WHO WILL BE PRESENT AND INTRODUCED AT THE
MEETING TO ACCEPT THE PROCLAMATION: (Other attendees may also participate in the receipt of the
Proclamation but will be announced by the County Manager as “distinguished guests.” Commissioners may opt to
identify others, by name, in any comments they make during or after the presentation of the Proclamation.)
LEAD RECIPIENT NAME: ______CHRIS FELDER_____________________________________________________
Note: A photograph will be taken with the County Commissioners at the meeting when the proclamation is
presented. Other persons present with the recipients may also come forward at the time of the photograph.
Would you like a copy of this photograph sent (circle one): Via email / Via U.S. Mail
Per your delivery selection, please provide a name and email address or physical mailing address if different than
already provided on the form above:
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY:
DATE FORM RECEIVED: RECEIVED BY:
ACCEPTED: DENIED: REASON FOR DENIAL:
APPLICANT NOTIFIED ON (DATE): VIA TELEPHONE / EMAIL / US MAIL
BY: (SIGNATURE)REVISED 2/2023
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