[Page H7781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING FLORIDA SHERIFFS YOUTH RANCHES

  (Mr. DUNN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Florida 
Sheriffs Youth Ranches and similar community care centers for at-risk 
children across our Nation.
  Founded in 1957, the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches have been 
improving the lives of at-risk children throughout our State with its 
comprehensive programs in six Florida locations, including one in my 
district, Live Oak, Florida.
  The Sheriffs Youth Ranches are credited with helping more than 
152,000 children and families in Florida alone. I have visited them, 
and I admire their work. It goes well beyond basic care and provides a 
sense of security, guidance, and belonging to these children who are 
coming from incredibly difficult circumstances.
  Without action by this House, on September 30, the title IV-E child 
welfare waiver will expire, adversely affecting the support provided to 
children's homes across the country.
  It is our responsibility to ensure that vital services to vulnerable 
children and families are not interrupted. We must guarantee that the 
system has the same amount of resources necessary to achieve safety and 
permanency for all of these children.

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