DFPS - Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

TV & Radio Campaign Urges Parents to Choose Regulated Care

DFPS is teaming with the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) for a year-long TV & radio campaign to enlighten parents about the importance of choosing regulated day care. TAB member stations are airing the spots statewide until July 2011, and public service announcements can also be seen on You Tube, the DFPS Facebook page, and the "Don't Be in the Dark" campaign website.

DFPS launches ad campaign to prevent infant sleeping deaths

Photo of baby links to Baby Room to Breathe website

Almost 400 Texas babies die in their sleep each year either suddenly without a clear explanation or due to accidental suffocation or strangulation. Last year, DFPS' Child Protective Services program investigated 167 infant deaths that occurred while the infants slept with adults or older children (see map). That's why the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is launching a three-month radio and television campaign to educate parents and caregivers about sudden, unexpected infant death and the critical need to always give babies "Room to Breathe."

Water, Car Safety Urged for Summer

62
Texas Children Drownings
12
Texas Child Hyperthermia Deaths
as of Thursday, September 02, 2010

Summer weather is upon us and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is urging all Texans to be on guard against one of the leading causes of death among infants, toddlers, and young children: accidental drowning and hyperthermia. Already, at least 62 children have drowned in Texas this year, and yet the deadliest period for drowning, which lasts through Labor Day, still lies ahead. Each year, DFPS keeps an unofficial count of child drowning deaths. Last year, 113 children drowned in Texas - the most since DFPS began its count in 2005. Twelve children have died from hyperthermia because they were left in cars in the heat. Texas leads in the nation in hot car deaths among children.