Securing the safety of children while traveling is paramount, and car seats play a critical role in achieving this. For families in Riverside County, California, understanding the resources available to obtain car seats, especially through programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), is essential. This guide delves into the programs in Riverside County that help families access car seats, potentially for free or at low cost, with a focus on how WIC eligibility can be a gateway to these vital resources.
Low-Cost Car Seat Program & WIC Eligibility
Riverside County is committed to child passenger safety and offers a well-established low-cost car seat program. This initiative aims to provide car seats and booster seats, along with crucial education, to county residents. A key aspect of this program is its accessibility to families who participate in low-income support programs such as Medi-Cal or WIC.
If you are a Riverside County resident and qualify for WIC, you may be eligible for this low-cost car seat program. The first step is to call 1-800-455-4942 to begin the registration process. Eligible participants are required to attend a one-hour educational class, available in both English and Spanish. Upon completion of the class, participants will receive a car seat or booster seat.
These classes are conveniently located at 10 sites throughout Riverside County. It’s important to note that these classes are designed for adults only, as childcare services are not provided at the locations. To help sustain the program, there is a $30 fee per car seat, payable in advance by money order. This nominal fee ensures the program can continue to serve the community.
For any questions or to speak with a certified child passenger safety technician regarding car seats and proper installation, you can call 1-951-358-7171.
Vehicle Occupant Diversion Program (VOPD)
In addition to the low-cost program, Riverside County also offers the Vehicle Occupant Diversion Program (VOPD). This is a two-hour educational class designed for individuals who have received citations for car seat or seat belt violations in Riverside County.
While VOPD is not a free car seat program, it offers an opportunity to reduce fines associated with car seat violations. A requirement for participants cited for a car seat violation is to bring a federally approved car seat, without any recalls, to the class. Trained staff provide valuable education on the importance of seat belt use and the dangers of improperly restraining children in car seats. For more details about the VOPD program, please call (951) 358-7171.
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians
For in-depth information and hands-on assistance with car seat safety, Riverside County also provides access to Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. These technicians are experts in car seat installation and safety practices. They can offer guidance and ensure your child’s car seat is correctly installed and appropriate for their age and size. Contacting 1-951-358-7171 will connect you with these resources.
By leveraging programs like the low-cost car seat initiative and resources like certified technicians, Riverside County strives to make child passenger safety accessible to all families, including those benefiting from the WIC program. Ensuring every child rides safely is a community responsibility, and these programs are vital steps in achieving that goal.
