Howard Government funds SIDS and Kids Kits further enhancing quality child care

Child care workers and carers will receive additional help following today’s launch of a new kit, which promotes safe infant sleeping habits.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today said the SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping in Child Care Kit gives advice on safe sleeping practices, as well as emergency plans and responses.

“The Howard Government has funded the initial 1000 kits which will provide child care workers, parents, families and with practical support to minimise the risk of SIDS affecting infants,” Senator Patterson said.

“It contains safe sleeping literature, including a safe sleeping policy, video, brochures and posters, and will be a valuable resource for anyone who is involved in the care of babies.

“Over the next two years, the kits will be updated as new information and research about SIDS and emergency responses come to light.

“Importantly, the kit emphasises the need for carers to discuss safe sleeping practices with all parents, reassuring them that these practices are used in their child care centre.

“The SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping Program has had an enormous influence in Australia. Since the program’s inception in 1990, there has been an
84 per cent drop in SIDS rates, meaning almost 4,000 lives have been saved.

“The Howard Government is committed to working with organisations, carers and the community to improve children’s chances in life, as we all have a responsibility to see that children are cared for in a safe environment,” Senator Patterson said.

More information on the SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping in Child Care Kit is available at Sids and Kids website (www.sidsandkids.org)or call (03) 9819 4595.