DEP and DCF Celebrate National Foster Care Month

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 05/25/2018 04:37 PM EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 25, 2018

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

DEP and DCF partner to celebrate
National Foster Care Month

~Create new memories at Florida State Parks with your family~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.– The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is excited to partner with the Department of Children and Families during National Foster Care Month to celebrate foster families and adoptive parents of special needs children. This year, more than 7,200 children reside in foster care in Florida. Florida State Parks will be providing annual passes and discounts to support foster and adoptive families of special needs children to encourage outdoor recreation and create lasting memories.

Families operating a licensed family foster home, who have approved status from DCF, are eligible to receive a Florida State Parks Family Annual Entrance Pass and a 50-percent discount on base campsite fees at parks. Additionally, families who adopt a special needs child from DCF are eligible to receive a Family Annual Entrance Pass at the time of adoption.These passes make it easy for families to bond while enjoying Florida's outdoor adventures.

Governor Scott said, “As a father and grandfather, I am thankful for the many Florida families who have opened their homes to more than 20,000 foster children. I am proud to offer these families free entry into Florida State Parks as a small token of gratitude for their sacrifice and commitment to our children.”

“We are proud to support the important role foster and adoptive parents play in the lives of Florida’s children and communities,” said Noah Valenstein. “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.”

“While their time together may be temporary, the impacts that foster parents have on the children they care for last a lifetime," said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “Not only do foster parents open their homes to children in need, they also support them in a time when they need someone to trust and look up to. Being a foster parent is a selfless act that should be commended and celebrated."

Experience beaches, freshwater springs, historic sites and recreational activities with the annual pass, and keep track of adventures with the Deluxe Real Florida Passport. This travel-sized journal is perfect for collecting memories and discovering new places for families to explore. Florida’s 175 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 establish community pride.

Learn how to receive an annual pass to Florida State Parks by calling 850-245-2157. Find out more on how to get involved with Foster Care.

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. Visit the department’s website at https://floridadep.gov/.