The prosperity of our state depends on the strength of our communities and the success of our families.Last year, 46,000 children were abused or neglected in Florida, that’s one child every 11 minutes. Of those 51.36% were five years of age or younger and 93% of the 198 children who died from child abuse and neglect in 2008 were five years of age and under.
Dollars spent on a child before age five produce a higher economic benefit than if the same amount were spent when the child is older. When young children experience child abuse or neglect, it impedes their early development.
Healthy Families is proven to prevent child abuse in Florida’s highest-risk families, sparing children from the trauma of abuse and reducing the significant burden on law enforcement and others charged with responding after abuse occurs. Last year alone, more than 21,000 at-risk children were free from abuse and neglect because of Healthy Families Florida. It can cost the state more than $64,000 a year to care for an abused child, but less than $1,700 a year for Healthy Families to prevent child abuse before it ever begins.
In 2010, 97% of children served by Healthy Families Palm Beach were free from verified abuse and neglect. 100% of the participants who were unemployed at enrollment were employed when they graduated from the program.
Let your legislators know that maintaining Healthy Families Florida funding at the current level of $18.1 million is important to you and your community. This proven program keeps children healthy and safe and helps parents in their critical role of providing the stable, stimulating and nurturing experiences that promote optimal development during these early years.
