Press Releases

Miami, FL – Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) will hold a news conference on Monday, May 11, 2015, at 11:00 a. m. to recognize and celebrate Child Welfare Professionals Recognition Day. The news conference will be held on the grounds of the Judge Seymour Gelber and Judge William E. Gladstone Miami-Dade Children's Courthouse, located at 155 NW Third Street, Miami, FL, and is coordinated in conjunction with Miami Dade County Chairman Jean Monestime.

Expected speakers include Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, (FL-24), Miami Dade County Chairman Jean Monestime, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Senator Dwight Bullard, Judge Cindy Lederman, and Judge Orlando Prescott. The Miami Marlins will also make a special presentation to child welfare professionals. Participation across the state will include the issuing of a proclamation by Governor Rick Scott, the Florida Association of Counties is asking its members to also issue proclamations and the Department of Children and Families will recognize the day through a social media campaign.

As a member of the Florida legislature, in 2008, Congresswoman Wilson sponsored the Child Welfare Professionals Recognition Day bill that was signed into law by former Governor Charlie Crist. The spirit of the bill was to ensure that the professionals who are entrusted with the well-being of our children get the appreciation they rightfully deserve. Congresswoman Wilson issued the following statement:

"This is an important opportunity to increase public awareness of the great work that our child welfare professionals are doing. They are dedicated, hardworking employees who truly care about the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable citizens – our children.

"Let us show our appreciation by recognizing them and thanking them for all they do to protect the children entrusted in our care," said Congresswoman Wilson.

WHO: Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, (FL-24), Miami Dade County Chairman Jean Monestime, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Senator Dwight Bullard, Juvenile Court Judges, Our Kids, and Child Welfare Professionals

WHAT: Child Welfare Professionals Recognition Day

WHEN: Monday, May 11, 2015 at 11:00 a. m.

WHERE: Judge Seymour Gelber and Judge William E. Gladstone Miami-Dade Children's Courthouse 155 NW Third Street Miami, FL

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Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.