Naples, FL (April 12, 2021) On March 23, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, proclaimed that April 2021 be designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Collier County.
The proclamation, submitted by Youth Haven, Inc. states that children are key to our community’s future success, prosperity and quality of life; and
- WHEREAS, Children have a right to thrive, learn and grow in a safe and loving environment; and
- WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem in Collier County, the State of Florida, and across our nation; and
- WHEREAS, Child abuse prevention is a community responsibility and finding solutions depends on involvement among all people; and
- WHEREAS, Communities must make every effort to promote programs and support organizations that benefit children and teens and become more aware of child abuse prevention and the resources available to keep children safe;
- WHEREAS, Effective programs that are dedicated to keeping children and teens in the community safe and free from abuse succeed because of partnerships among agencies, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community; and
- WHEREAS, Youth Haven is dedicated to raising awareness about and preventing child abuse.
All of the children & teens that come to Youth Haven have been abused, abandoned, neglected or are homeless. Founded in 1972, Youth Haven was established to fulfill an immediate need for emergency shelter for children who had been removed suddenly from a traumatic home situation. Our 25-acre therapeutic campus houses over 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Youth Haven views challenges as opportunities in helping each child gain confidence, independence and success as they continue to strengthen the community they serve; laying the foundation for children and teens to have hope for a brighter, better future.
Established in 1983, Child Abuse Prevention Month is an annual observance every April in the United States dedicated to raising awareness and preventing child abuse. Now more than ever, it’s important not only to recognize and prevent child abuse, but to support Youth Haven’s therapeutic and lifesaving programs and services. Multiple sources are stressing concern regarding a possible increase in child abuse cases due to COVID-19. “The pandemic has affected health care-seeking patterns for child abuse and neglect, raising concerns that victims might not have received care and that severity of injuries remained stable or worsened. Implementation of strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect is important, especially during public health emergencies.”1
“It’s crucial that we continue to raise awareness for this important cause and for the safety of our children and teens. If you know of any child or teen has been abused, please report it,” said Linda Goldfield, Youth Haven Executive Director.
For additional information on child abuse and who to contact if you suspect a child is being abused, please call 1-800-962-2873 or visit https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us/. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Lafakis at 239-687-5175 or Laura.Lafakis@youthhavenswfl.org.
About Youth Haven, Inc.
Youth Haven, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, is Collier County’s only emergency and residential emergency shelter for boys and girls ages 6 – 18 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In continuous operation since 1972, Youth Haven’s 25-acre therapeutic campus houses over 70 youth with a waking staff system that allows for around-the-clock specialized care. Also situated on its campus is Rob’s Group Home, Youth Haven’s transitional living cottage, which provides comprehensive 24-hour care, with a longer average length of stay, for homeless unaccompanied teenagers ages 16 -19. Youth Haven is a COA nationally accredited organization, a member agency of the United Way of Collier County, a Naples Children & Education Foundation grant recipient, and holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. Its mission is focused on protecting and empowering children and teens in Southwest Florida through comprehensive care and community collaboration. For more information, please visit youthhavenswfl.org or call 239-774-2904. Follow Youth Haven on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.