Child Safety Event To Be Held At Crossgates Mall

ALBANY, NY (11/01/2007)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Commissioner Gladys Carrión, Esq., today announced the fifth annual New York Loves Safe Babies event to be held at Crossgates Mall, Albany, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3.

This fun-filled event, on the lower level across from Regal Cinemas, will provide mothers, fathers and other caregivers with valuable information on how to prevent serious injuries and keep their children safe. Radio Disney and Merdwin the Mediocre Magician will participate, providing entertainment and fun activities for both children and parents.

“Everyone can benefit from the information and resources presented at the New York Loves Safe Babies event. This year we are pleased to have the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance join us to provide information and resources for fathers,” said Commissioner Carrión. “This is just one of the many ways OCFS supports prevention initiatives to strengthen families across New York State.”

This event provides parents with the opportunity to speak with professionals regarding many different topics. The New York State Consumer Protection Board will provide information on toy safety; the state Department of Health will disseminate information on injury prevention and dental health needs; the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Fatherhood Initiative will have information specifically for fathers; and many community organizations will be distributing information on child care and other useful topics. Parents can also get their children a SAFE CHILD ID card from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services. Families can make projects together, enjoy entertainment and win prizes.

OCFS will provide bilingual educational materials in English and Spanish on topics including: preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome, reducing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, safe sleeping practices for infants, avoiding injuries while playing, and supervising children in and around motor vehicles. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to also view this information on the OCFS website, www.ocfs.state.ny.us, under “Child Safety Tips.” The site includes the New York Loves Safe Babies video, in English and Spanish. Also on the OCFS website is child safety information in Arabic, Chinese and Russian.

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