HomeMy WebLinkAbout26-053 RESOLUTION NO.26-053
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL 2026 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 2023,4 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 provides prevention services to children and families in St. Lucie County
through the Supporting Families in Crisis Program to strengthen families.
6. Hibiscus Family advocates collaborate with parents to help them navigate the daily stress of life,
including balancing work and family, coping with divorce or separation and managing economic
instability. They also provide support for issues such as domestic violence, substance abuse and
addiction and assist parents with job applications and interview preparation.
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 does proclaim April 2026 as"Child Abuse Prevention Month"in St.Lucie County Florida.
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 21st day of April 2026.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. UCIE CO ,yalikjillDA
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DEPUTY CLE' �,�► �4,;;; HAIR
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COUNT ATTORNEY