FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Condemns Governor’s Emergency Order Targeting Vulnerable Children
FCAAP: “By threatening the future of Florida’s shelters and foster homes, this emergency order directly threatens the health and safety of vulnerable children.”
Tallahassee, FL (December 13, 2021) – Today, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP) released the following statement regarding Governor Ron DeSantis’ newly-signed emergency order severely limiting the issuance or renewal of licenses to provide services to Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC):
“This new emergency order from Governor DeSantis will harm children, not help them. As pediatricians, we have worked firsthand with immigrant children who arrive without a parent or legal guardian and can attest that they are among the most vulnerable of our patients. These are children who have suffered enormous hardship in their countries of origin and are seeking asylum in the United States. Most children have a family member already in the country, but while they await being reunified with that family member, they need to be in safe, protective, state-licensed facilities or foster homes.
The governor’s new order makes it more difficult for immigrant children to be placed in facilities that meet state and federal requirements. As pediatricians dedicated to the health of children, we know that stable environments create better health outcomes for children, families, and communities. By threatening the future of Florida’s shelters and foster homes, this emergency order directly threatens the health and safety of vulnerable children.”
About FCAAP
Through its more than 2,500 members, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics promotes the health & welfare of Florida’s children and supports pediatricians & pediatric specialists as the best qualified providers of their healthcare. Learn more by visiting www.fcaap.org.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Melanie Range, Director of Communications & Events
Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
mrange@fcaap.org or 850-224-3939
