2004 Child Passenger Safety Seat Grant
Narrative - Part V

Problem Statement: The Alliance covers Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties.  In 2000, there were only about 20 CPS technicians in the region, therefore the Alliance created the Child Passenger Seat Inspection Campaign, a long term commitment to certify technicians, organize inspection events, and sponsor educational lectures to the public.

In 2001, the Alliance hosted two certification courses and increased the total technicians in the region to nearly 75.  Although that was the most CPS training ever completed in South Jersey, the Alliance wanted to be more self sufficient. 

In 2002, the Alliance sponsored technicians to become instructors (3) and expanded the Campaign to include hosting the National Standardized Certification Course with its own instructors.  Although the total number of instructors in now 4 and the total number of technicians nearly 150, the majority are law enforcement officers and the real need is in the diverse communities. 

In 2003, the Alliance tried to reach out to the organizations in the minority and low income communities.  With Cumberland, Salem, and Atlantic County having Diversity Grants, the Alliance has been able to network to gain some interest from participating organizations, but follow through has been minimal, with only 1 employee from Puerto Rican Action Committee (PRAC) becoming a technician.

Objective:  For 2004, the Alliance wishes to continue to host the CPS Certification Courses and to concentrate on training individuals from organizations with good ties to the diverse communities, such as PRAC and ASPIRA Inc.  

Strategies:  

1)  To host at least 2 CPS Certification courses, certifying 30 new technicians, 15 from organizations other than law enforcement.

2)  To certify 2 additional instructors.

4)  To participate in at least 6 public inspection events through September 30, 2003.

5)  To host at least 1 update seminar, if course content changes and certification requires it.

6)  To host 2 meetings of the Child Passenger Seat Inspection Committee.

7)  To advertise certification courses and inspection events in Alliance’s newsletter and prepare press releases as needed.

8)  To host at least 2 one day seminars.

9)  To continue to institute and promote the Bounty Program, established in each county in 2003.

Performance Indicators:  The success of this project will come primarily from the positive reaction of Alliance members, as well as the communities we service.

Milestones:

1) Submit application with resolutions from the SJTSA, SJTPO and SJTA by Nov 1.

2) Schedule first CPS Certification course by December 15. (includes 1^st checkpoint)

3) Identify new CPS Instructor Candidate by January 1.

4) Schedule second public inspection event for CPS week, February 2004.

5) Schedule second CPS Certification course by March 1. (includes 3^rd checkpoint)

6) Schedule final inspection event, at Babies-R-Us in September, by August 2.

Administrative Evaluation: 

Look at how many certification courses took place and how many new technicians were added to the region. 

Look at what percentage of technicians were from fields other than law enforcement.

Look at how many public safety events were held.  

Subsequent Year Needs:  Continue to train technicians and help organize checkpoints and provide pamphlets and seats for events.