Children's Summit


 

2006 Florida Children's Summit
Compilation of Commitment Issues

Overview: Setting the Stage
Adequate Income and Support Assessment, Early Intervention & Treatment Before and After School Programs
Early Childhood Education Family Friendly Neighborhoods Free From Abuse and Neglect
Health Care Juvenile Justice Intervention and Treatment Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment
Positive Youth Development Prenatal Care Youth Transitioning to Adulthood

FAMILY FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOODS


Click here to see the Summit recommendations for this issue.

Live in a family friendly neighborhood that provides opportunities to play outside and interact with other children and adults in a clean and healthy environment.

Neighborhoods play an important formative role in children's early development and future outcomes. Because children occupy and experience the neighborhood in which they live, improved outcomes for children may depend as much on improved housing, employment and neighborhood safety as on the delivery of effective health and childcare services (National Research Council, 2000).

Perceived neighborhood safety is important for child development since it affects the willingness of parents to take advantage of resources such as parks, libraries, and children's programs (National Research Council, 2002). Florida must invest in building the capacity of neighborhoods to strengthen the livability and vitality of communities throughout our state.