LABELLE — At the regular meeting of the Hendry County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, April 28, the board declared the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Board Chair Ramon Iglesias read the proclamation that states:

“WHEREAS, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential services to children who have experienced abuse or neglect, including medical exams, forensic interviews, trauma-informed therapy, family advocacy, and prevention education; and

WHEREAS, one in five children will experience abuse before the age of eighteen, making child abuse and neglect a serious public health and safety issue that affects communities across the nation; and

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect can result in severe trauma, causing lasting physical, emotional, and developmental harm, and in some cases even death; and

WHEREAS, a coordinated multidisciplinary response is essential to protecting children and supporting families, and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida works in partnership with law enforcement, Department of Children and Families, State Attorney’s Office, and community-based organizations to investigate allegations of abuse, hold offenders accountable, and provide children and families with the support and services they need to heal; and

WHEREAS, child abuse is preventable, and communities play a critical role in raising awareness, strengthening families, and promoting programs and resources that support positive parenting and safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children; and

WHEREAS, Child Abuse Prevention Month serves as an important reminder of our shared responsibility to protect children, support families, and engage individuals, businesses, schools, and community organizations in efforts that promote the healthy development and well-being of all children;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, The Board of County Commissioners of Hendry County, Florida does hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH and commends the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida and its Multidisciplinary Team partners for their ongoing commitment to protecting children, supporting families, and strengthening our community. The Board also encourages our community to join in the effort to raise awareness, support prevention initiatives, and help ensure that every child grows up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment."