Letter to the editor

Letter to the editor

Dear Editor,

     Kiwanians are community leaders and business professionals committed to changing the world, one child and one community at a time. Child abuse can have profound detrimental effects on children’s development resulting in costly consequences for the individual, family and community, which is why we support Healthy Families Florida. This evidence-based home visiting pro-gram is proven to effectively prevent child abuse in high-risk families at a fraction of the cost of treating the consequences of abuse after it occurs.

    We are pleased that the Legislature has maintained Healthy Families Florida funding at its current level of $18.1 million at this point in the budget process. However, we remain hopeful that if additional resources are available, the Legislature will bring this successful prevention program back to its 2009-2010 funding level of $28.1 million, or increase the funding as much as possible so more communities and vulnerable families and their children are able to receive these vital services. 

    By preventing child abuse before it ever begins, we are building a strong foundation for a more prosperous future for our entire state.

Allen Whetsell Governor, Florida Kiwanis