PRESS RELEASE: May 4, 2015
DEP AND DCF PARTNER TO PROVIDE STATE PARK PASSES TO FOSTER FAMILIES
~Foster families to enjoy Florida’s outdoors during National Foster
Care Month~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —The
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), together with its community
partners, have joined the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
to celebrate foster families during National Foster Care Month. State Park
passes will be distributed to 15,000 families throughout Florida to celebrate
foster parents and the tremendous call they have answered to serve the
community’s most vulnerable children.
“Florida is home to extraordinary families who
have opened their homes and provided shelter, love and a normal life to
children in crisis,” DCF Secretary Mike Carroll said. “These folks should be
celebrated, not just this month, but every day. We can’t thank foster parents
enough for what they do, and what they will continue to do for our children and
as advocates for others considering embarking on the journey to foster.”
The partnership builds on an annual program that encourages foster children
and their families to engage in outdoor recreation and supports them in the
journey to lead more normal lives and create lasting memories with their foster
families. Park passes will be distributed to foster parents throughout the
state by Community-Based Care (CBC) lead agencies and local DCF offices.
“The Department of Environmental Protection is proud to join DCF and its
partners to recognize the important role foster parents play improving the
lives of Florida’s children and communities,” DEP Secretary Jon Steverson said.
“Our award-winning state parks are a great place for families to spend time
together and enjoy some of Florida’s most treasured natural resources.”
Foster parents change lives and offer hope to children who have been removed
from their homes by no fault of their own, but because they have experienced
abuse or neglect and cannot safely remain with their parents. CBC lead agencies
throughout the state work to recruit, license and match foster parents with
children in need of short and long-term homes. Each CBC works to address the
unique needs of their communities in recruiting foster parents.
Florida’s 171 state parks and trails inspire residents and visitors with
recreational opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families,
educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 161
state parks and 10 state trails, families are attracted by the beaches,
freshwater springs, historic sites and variety of recreational opportunities
available.
For more information on becoming a foster parent visit www.MyFLFamilies.com
or contact the CBC in your area, http://myflfamilies.com/service-programs/community-based-care/cbc-map.
For more information on Florida State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.
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