HomeMy WebLinkAbout25-070 RESOLUTION NO.25-070
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 2025 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. Children are vital to our future success, and every child has the right to be safe,healthy, and happy and
deserves to receive love,nurturing and care and live in communities that foster their healthy growth and
development.Our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of St.Lucie County.
2. In the Federal fiscal year 2021, 3.9 million reports were made to child protective services.
3. Approximately 5 children die every day because of child abuse in the United States.
4. Child abuse and neglect is a community responsibility, affecting both the current and future quality of
life of any community and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone. Child abuse can
have long-term psychological,emotional,and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims
of abuse.
5. Hibiscus Children's Center upholds the legacy of transforming the lives of children and families and
embraces opportunities that can potentially change the way society cares for children.
6. Hibiscus Children's Center honors its late Founder, LaVaughn Tilton(1925-2021) by recognizing her
vision, passion, and commitment to create a safe place for abused children, which came to fruition in
1985 when she founded Hibiscus Children's Center. Hibiscus has since provided 475,000 safe nights
to over 3,500 abused,abandoned, and neglected children on the Treasure Coast.
7. Effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child
welfare professionals, education, health, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, law
enforcement agencies, and families. Communities must make every effort to promote programs and
activities that create strong and thriving children and families. We acknowledge that we must work
together as a community to increase awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social
and emotional well-being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.
8. Prevention remains the best defense for our children and families.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St.Lucie
County,Florida:
1. This Board does proclaim April 2025 as"Child Abuse Prevention Month" in St. Lucie County Florida.
2. This Board recognizes and commends Hibiscus Children's Center's late Founder LaVaughn Tilton for
her vision 40 years ago to protect children in St. Lucie County,Florida.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 22nd day of April 2025.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. .\CIE COUNT. FL I ' DA
DEPU LERK HAIR
1. _ • PPRO D A L ORM AND
• r CO 'el CT TIE '
CO Y ATT EY