Banner-A Guide to Implementing Child Passenger Safety Inspection Stations

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Two people installing child Safety seat It is important to have a well-developed financial plan that identifies operating expenses as well as short- and long-term funding sources.

Expenses

Program Expenses

This will include equipment and supplies, promotional materials, program administration, training, and travel.

Replacement Seats

The CPS community partnership will need to consider whether resources are available for the inspection station to replace damaged, outdated or recalled child safety seats. If so, a written policy for seat distribution should be developed. If replacement seats are not supplied, it is advisable to provide an accurate list of community resources that offer child safety seats for families in need.

Salaries

Staff resources will significantly impact the hours of operation and the amount of community outreach that can be conducted by a CPS inspection station. There must be a clear and realistic agreement about the commitment of paid staff time provided by the sponsoring organization and/or other agency members. Administrators may not fully understand the time commitment necessary for the successful operation of a CPS inspection station and may consider it as an additional work task for employees. This could be devastating to the program if staff must later be removed because too much time is spent operating the inspection station. The CPS community partnership will likely need to recruit and retain a reliable cadre of volunteers to help offset the need for paid staff.

Funding

Short- and Long-Term Funding Sources

After the initial start-up funds have been secured, the process of fundraising will continue. Members of the CPS community partnership should always be alert to potential funding sources, including contributions from local businesses; public and private grant programs; and individual contributions. It is not advisable to rely on a single source of financial support, as organizations lose money, budgets get cut, and grant programs are discontinued. Obtaining financial support from several sources may provide long-term stability for the CPS inspection station program.

In-Kind Contributions

Consider the various types of in-kind contributions that could be made to help offset financial expenses. Time volunteered by community partnership members (or staff time donated by member organizations), CPS professionals, community residents, and service groups can be a tremendous benefit. In addition, contributions of space, office services, equipment, supplies and refreshments can save the program a significant amount of money. Post a “wish list” of needed contributions at the inspection station and include it when publicizing the CPS services within the community.

Fee for Service

Determine whether CPS inspections will be provided free of charge, with a requested donation or with a service fee. Be sure this information is provided to everyone who may use the CPS inspection service by posting it at the inspection station and including it in all publicity materials.

A lady filling out paper work for inspection