WA CPS Program Newsletter, January 2023
My hope is that this communication finds everyone in good health after enjoying the holiday season. Washington had a remarkable year with our efforts to reach families with child passenger safety education and resources. Your continued commitment and enthusiasm is appreciated! Here are a few highlights from fiscal year 2022.
- The year ended with 433 technicians; and 119 car seat check services available through www.wacarseats.com.
- The Child Passenger Safety program completed the purchase, distribution, and tracking of over 200 iPad mini tablets for use when conducting car seat checks. Numerous training sessions were held for transitioning Washington State to the National Digital Check Program (NDCF).
- A large focus was placed on outreach to underserved populations. A partnership with local resettlement agencies assisted refugee families from Afghanistan and Ukraine in providing education to the parents and car/booster seats for their children. A total of seven events were held; 125 families served; 256 car/booster seat provided. Educational materials were provided in Pashto, Dari and Ukraine.
- The mini-grant program provided 19 reimbursement funding agreements to support local child passenger safety efforts or hosting of child passenger safety technician (CPST) courses.
11 Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) courses held
114 Newly trained technicians added to the State’s network
2,430 Car seats checked
2,680 Seats provided to families (this includes seats provided by KidVantage/Eastside Baby Corner through their collaborative network)
INJURY PREVENTION AWARD NOMINATIONS
Washington Child Passenger Safety Program and Safe Kids Washington would like to acknowledge some of the great work done in the effort to prevent serious injuries and fatalities to our children. There are several different categories for nomination:
- Special and/or Lifetime Achievement
- Child Passenger Safety Technician
- Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Instructor
- Injury Prevention Advocate (Individual)
- Injury Prevention Partner (Agency)
- Injury Prevention Volunteer
Nominations will be accepted through January 15, 2023. Chosen award recipients will be invited to attend a reception in their honor, the evening of the second of April, Lifesavers Conference, Seattle Convention Center.
To place a nomination, visit:
LIFESAVERS 2023
There is a limited amount of funding available to assist active Washington State child passenger safety technicians in attending the conference in Seattle. Requests will be accepted through EXTENDED TO JANUARY 10, 2023. To look at the tentative workshops and speakers visit Workshops – Lifesavers National Conference on Highway Safety Priorities (lifesaversconference.org)
To apply for assistance, visit:
NATIONAL DIGITAL CHECK FORM (NDCF)
On December 19, 2022 the last Q&A session was held for using the NDCF. In case you missed it…you can watch/listen to the recorded session.
https://nsc-org.zoom.us/rec/share/q8PxcX6Fs1IzHhgilq7JosWNoE_-wJga5d0cfoPPt_-WBgr_Ng4JNbce5cUPWRWK.5s_IPrT0Xe5xtHTR
Passcode: 1oaq%EDV
A second NDCF supplement to the User Agreement is attached for your use. Please print and add to your hard copy. You can find the digital guide at https://wacarseats.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Wa-NDCF-User-Guide-2022-Final-12c.pdf
The raw data car seat check report will be posted on www.wacarseats.com under Car Seat Data. When the clean data is finalized, I will be generating statewide use, error, and other reports for your use. This preliminary report shows 617 seat checks performed! AMAZING!!!!
TRIBAL NATION OUTREACH
The state printing website has numerous traffic safety materials available to you at no cost. If you search under Traffic Safety Commission, you will find a Tribal link. This has child passenger safety messaging as well as impairment, pedestrian, seat belt, and speeding. Be sure to order free material for your next event.
DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN YOUTH & FAMILIES (DCYF)
DCYF is a cabinet-level agency focused on the well-being of children. We have partnered with DCYF to provide education and training on safe transport of the children they serve; many in their most vulnerable situations during child protective service calls. The process we have been offering at their local child welfare office sites in Pierce and King County is documented and provided for your use. The attached map shows additional locations. As a nationally certified child passenger safety technician, you can reach out to your local office to offer these services. They can also contact me directly to assist with scheduling the training.
Please let me know how I can better serve you in reaching your local communities.