FLORIDA FOSTER FAMILY APPRECIATION WEEK
WHEREAS, foster families provide a unique opportunity to impact children’s lives by providing careĀ for children until they can be reunified with their families, or find a forever family; and
WHEREAS, children in foster care need and deserve a loving, supportive, nurturing, and quality
foster family; and
WHEREAS, approximately 5,272 foster families are currently licensed throughout the State ofĀ Florida; and
WHEREAS, the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Protection, Florida Department of ChildrenĀ and Families, community-based care lead agencies, Florida Foster and Adoptive ParentĀ Association, state and local agencies, and communities join together to raise awareness of the needĀ for quality foster families in Florida; and
WHEREAS, approximately 7,184 children in Florida live with foster families; and
WHEREAS, Florida Statutes designates the second week of February as Florida Foster FamilyĀ Appreciation Week, to recognize the enduring and invaluable contributions foster parents provideĀ to children in their care; and
WHEREAS, families and children across the great State of Florida will celebrate the impact thatĀ foster families have on children and families; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings andĀ best wishes to all observing February 12-18, 2018, as Florida Foster Family Appreciation Week andĀ encourage all Floridians to consider opening their hearts and homes to children in this state whoĀ Florida Foster Family Appreciation Week proclamation are in need of a quality foster family.