State of Florida

Rick Scott Governor Esther Jacobo Interim Secretary

Department of Children and Families

For Immediate Release: February 10, 2014

DCF and DEP Partner to Give Thousands of State Park Passes to Foster Families
Free passes will help 15,000 foster families enjoy time in Floridas great outdoors TALLAHASSEEThousands of children in foster care and their foster parents will enjoy free passes to visit Floridas beautiful state parks again this year. Last January, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) joined with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to celebrate foster parents by donating 15,000 state park passes. This year, DEP is humbly donating another 15,000 passes toward the same cause. We want to give our children equal opportunities as other children, Interim Secretary Esther Jacobo said. That includes access to outdoor activities like sports and recreation. The Department of Environmental Protection also recognizes this importance, and is giving yet again to the generous families who invite our children into their lives. Floridas foster parents change the lives of more than 7,500 children in foster care who have been removed from their homes by no fault of their own, but because they have experienced abuse and neglect and cannot safely remain with their families. The donation from DEP will allow these children to engage in outdoor recreation and begin to lead more normal lives. Whether foster families choose to visit the manatees in Homosassa Springs or venture through Hillsborough River State Park, they can all actively interact with Floridas wildlife. In 2012, DCF created Fostering Floridas Future to recruit, retain and support foster parents. The program has encouraged the success of children in foster care by providing them with educational resources, stimulating activities and other related services so they can share the same positive experiences with their peers. Now, with DEPs partnership, we can further extend our efforts. Floridas 171 state parks and trails are pleased to partner with the Department of Children and Families and its Community-Based Care agencies to applaud and encourage Florida's foster families, Director of the Florida Department of Environmental Protections Florida Park Service, Donald Forgione said. Spending time in our beautiful environment and learning about nature is a great way to strengthen families and nurture our children in care. For more information on Fostering Floridas Future, visit www.fosteringflorida.com For more information on Floridas state parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org

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1317 Winewood Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0700 Mission: Protect the Vulnerable, Promote Strong and Economically Self-Sufficient Families, and Advance Personal and Family Recovery and Resiliency