Okaloosa County BOCC — April 1, 2014 — 4-1-14 Child Abuse Prevention Day

P ROCLAMATION WHEREAS, child abuse is a serious and growing problem affecting more 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 business community; and WHEREAS, youth-servicing prevention programs offer positive alternatives for young people and en- courage 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, through its support of parent aide programs, parenting classes, educational programs and community service activities, is assisting in making significant progress in stop- ping 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 3, 2014 as EXCHANGE CLUB CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION DAY In Okaloosa County, Florida and urges all citizen to use this time to better understand their role in recognizing and responding to child abuse. The new Florida Mandated Reporter law states “ Any person who knows or has reason- able cause to suspect a child or vulnerable adult is abused, abandoned, or neglected reporter may remain anony- mous” {Fla.Stat. 39.201(1)(b)}. And further congratulates the Emerald Coast Exchange Club for its continued com- mitment in helping families break free from the cycle of child abuse. DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 1st day of April, 2014. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ATTEST: _________________________________ CHARLES K. WINDES, JR. CHAIRMAN ___________________________ DON W. HOWARD CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT