FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2016
DCF AND DEP PARTNER TO PROVIDE STATE PARK PASSES TO FOSTER FAMILIES
~15,000 foster families to enjoy Florida’s state parks during National Foster Care Month~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Children and
Families, together with its community partners, have joined the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection 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.
“Our foster parents make their
hearts and homes available to frightened, vulnerable children day and night and
surround them with love and normalcy during times of crisis,” DCF Secretary
Mike Carroll said. “This is a way to thank them for their generosity and also
provide a wonderful opportunity for these families to come together to reflect
and celebrate their journey together.”
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 support 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 174 state parks,
trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreational opportunities
and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local
economies and foster community pride. With 163 state parks and 11 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’s
state parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.
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