HomeMy WebLinkAbout16-057RESOLUTION NO. 16-057
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 2016 AS
"CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH" IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. Florida'sfuture prosperity depends on nurturingthe healthy development of overfour million
children currently living, growing, and learning within our many diverse communities.
2. Research shows that safe and nurturing relationships and stimulating and stable environments
improve brain development and child well-being, while neglectful or abusive experiences and
unstable or stressful environments increase the odds of poor childhood outcomes.
3. The abuse and neglect of children can cause severe, costly and lifelong problems, including
physical and mental health problems, school failure and criminal behavior, which affect all of
society.
4. Research also shows that parents and caregivers who have social networks and know how to
seek help in times of trouble are more resilient and better able to provide safe environments
and nurturing experiences for their children.
5. Individuals, businesses, schools, and faith -based and community organizations must make
children a top priority and take action to support the physical, social, emotional, and
educational development and competency of all children.
6. During the month of April, Prevent Child Abuse Florida, in collaboration with the Governor's
Office of Adoption and Child Protection, the Florida Department of Children and Families and
the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, will implement Pinwheels for Prevention, a
statewide campaign promoting awareness of healthy child development, positive parenting
practices, and the types of concrete support families need within their communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie
County, Florida:
1. This Board does hereby proclaim April 2016 as "CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH" in St.
Lucie County, Florida and urge all residents to engage in activities whose purpose is to
strengthen families and communities to provide the optimal environment for healthy child
development.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 5th day of April 2016.
ATTEST:
DEPUTY CLERK--...—