Loading...
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 Page 294 of 5415 Page 295 of 5415 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 Page 296 of 5415 Page 297 of 5415