Press Release
Alan F. Abramowitz
Executive Director
Florida Statewide
Guardian ad Litem Office
July 5, 2017 2:00 p.m.
A new law highlights the importance of fostering and adopting children by giving free access to Florida state parks to licensed foster parents and adoptive parents. The measure, House Bill 185, passed both chambers unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Rick Scott on May 23.
Senator Aaron Bean, (R-Fernandina), a legislator with a long history of championing foster children and the families supporting them, was the Senate sponsor. “We have these wonderful, generous families who open their homes because of their love of children – and what better way to recognize and appreciate that than giving them an opportunity to enjoy family time in Florida’s parks for free?” he said.
Alan Abramowitz, executive director of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem Office, which
represents the best interests of dependent children, compared the new law to those already on the books giving discounts at the parks to seniors and veterans. “There
are many kinds of heroes – and someone who tells a child who has been abused or
neglected that he or she has a home is a hero in my book,” Abramowitz said. “We
should support these families and celebrate them every way we can.”
Representative Larry Lee, Jr., (D-Port. St. Lucie), the House sponsor, said “the
contribution of Florida’s foster families is priceless – whether they help a child
in need for a few weeks or provide a forever home.”
The need for quality foster parents is critical in light of the increased number of
children in foster care. “With the challenges of more and more children coming into
foster care, having caring people who heal and adopt our children is vital,” said
Department of Children and Families Secretary Mike Carroll. “I appreciate
Representative Lee and Senator Bean recognizing their commitment to these children.”
“It is important to build awareness of the need for quality foster parents – there
will always be a need,” said Trudy Petkovich, executive director of Florida’s
Foster/Adoptive Parent Association. “A benefit like this lets foster and adoptive
parents know their amazing contribution is appreciated.”