Okaloosa County BOCC — March 7, 2017 — 3-07-17 Child Abuse Prevention Day

PROCLAMATION WHEREAS , child abuse is a ser ious and gr owing pr oblem affecting mor e than 3.2 million of our nation's children annually; and community problem and finding solutions depends on involvement among people throughout the community, and WHEREAS , statistics of children who are abused and neglected escalate each year; and WHEREAS , the effects of child abuse are felt by whole communities and should be addressed by the entire community; and WHEREAS , effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement agencies and the busi- ness community; and WHEREAS , youth - servicing prevention programs offer positive alternatives for young people and encourage youth to develop strong ties to the community; and WHEREAS , all citizens should become more aware of child abuse and its prevention and should become involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment; and WHEREAS , the Emerald Coast Exchange Club and the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs, Fort Walton Beach Chapter, through their support of parent aide programs, parenting classes, educational programs and community service activities, is assisting in making significant progress in stopping this crime against families and children. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of Okaloosa County, Florida, that we do hereby proclaim April 5, 2017 as EXCHANGE CLUB AND FORT WALTON BEACH WOMAN’S CLUB CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION DAY In Okaloosa County, Florida and urges all citizens to use this time to better understand their role in recog- nizing and responding to child abuse. The Florida Statutes states “Any person who knows, or has reasona- ble cause to suspect, that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent, legal custodian, caregiv- er, or other person responsible for the child’s welfare, as defined in this chapter, or that a child is in need of supervision and care and has no parent, legal custodian, or responsible adult relative immediately known and available to provide supervision and care shall report such knowledge or suspicion to the de- partment in the manner prescribed”. {Fla.Stat.39.201(1)(a)}. And further congratulates the Emerald Coast Exchange Club (also Choctaw and Fort Beach High School Excel Club), Fort Walton Beach Woman’s Club, and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office for their continued commitment in helping families break free from the cycle of child abuse. DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of Mar ch, 2017. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ATTEST: _________________________________ CAROLYN N. KETCHEL CHAIRMAN ___________________________ J D PEACOCK II CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT