WHEREAS
, Over 60,000 children residing in Philadelphia live with someone other than their biological parent; and
WHEREAS,
The financial cost of child abuse and neglect in America is estimated at $94 billion dollars a year; and
WHEREAS,
Prevention programs help build a healthy and functioning society, and is a much less expensive long-term investment; and
WHEREAS
,
As one of the oldest social service agencies in the country, the Philadelphia Society for Services to Children looks to ensure the well-being of children and parents/caregivers by providing responsive services and networks directed towards strengthening families; and
WHEREAS
, The
Philadelphia Society for Services to Children serves children and families through two main programs, Kids n’ Kin and FAST (Families and Schools Together); and
WHEREAS
,
Kids n' Kin supports relative caregivers caring for their family members’ children due to incarceration, substance abuse, death and/or illness, helping them to overcome these challenges and keep children "out of the system" and in a safe, nurturing home; and
WHEREAS
,
The FAST Program brings together school personnel, human service professionals, and substance abuse professionals with at-risk families at 37 schools throughout Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS,
83% of the high-risk children served over a seven year period through Kids ‘N Kin remained out of the child welfare system, and school performance for children in FAST improved by an average of 45%
over the last four years
; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
, That we hereby honor the Philadelphia Society for Services to Children, building on a legacy of excellence in
strengthening families and helping children grow up in safe, stable family environments.
RESOLVED FURTHER
, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Society for Services to Children, as evidence of sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End