Backup Documents 04/08/2014 Item # 4F F
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, every child in our community of Naples in Collier County is a precious gift, full of
promise and potential; and
WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a serious problem in Collier and across our nation; and
WHEREAS, child maltreatment occurs when people find themselves in stressful situations,
without community resources, and don't know how to cope; and
WHEREAS, preventing child abuse and neglect is a community problem that depends on shared
involvement among people throughout the community and organizations such as
Youth Haven, whose programs provide immediate protection of suffering children,
support and information to families as well as community awareness; and
WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect not only directly harm children, but also increase the
likelihood of criminal behavior, substance abuse, health problems, and risky
behavior; and
WHEREAS, all citizens of Collier County should become involved in supporting families in raising
their children in a safe, stable, nurturing environment; and
WHEREAS, calls this observance to the attention of all in our community to increase their
participation in our efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and
strengthening the communities in which we live; and
WHEREAS, children are our most precious resource with bright and hopeful futures and Youth
Haven is committed to keeping the children who live in our community safe and
happy-
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners
of Collier County, Florida, that April be designated as
CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 8*h Day of April, 2014.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, "LORIDA
TOM HENNIN6/ AIRMAN