[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 134 (Wednesday, October 1, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10301-S10302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     FLORIDA SHERIFFS YOUTH RANCHES

 Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity to 
recognize a program that for the past 40 years has served over 30,000 
troubled boys, girls, and their families. This program has assisted 
these troubled youth by providing an opportunity to learn to resolve 
conflicts and learn proper values as they work toward a lawful, 
productive, and secure future. I speak specifically of the Florida 
Sheriffs Youth Ranches, which have been in continuous operation since 
October 2, 1957.

[[Page S10302]]

  The first of these ranches was established on the banks of Florida's 
historic Suwannee River under the direction of the Florida Sheriffs 
Association.
  For four decades, this ranch and the many others established in its 
wake have provided a home for neglected, troubled, and abused boys and 
girls. They offer in-home counseling and parent effectiveness training 
to hundreds of families throughout Florida each year. The programs for 
youth include residential care, camping, foster care, adoption, after-
care, and individual and family counseling.
  Through these youth ranches, the Florida Sheriffs Association and our 
State's individual sheriffs, deputies, and office staffs have made a 
vital contribution in the fight against juvenile delinquency and the 
breakdown of the American family.
  Mr. President, the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches are a shining 
example of law enforcement working with communities to help troubled 
youth and their families. I offer my sincerest congratulations and 
thanks for their four decades of service to the people of Florida, and 
wish all of the individuals involved the best of luck for the next 40 
years and beyond.

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