Delaware State Police And Local Pediatricians Partner To Address Parents Concerns

State Police to improve on their already successful child safety program

Dover - The Delaware State Police and Delaware Pediatrics have joined forces to address concerns parents are voicing in light of the Bradley case. Utilizing an already successful child ID program with equipment funded by The Ronnie Williams Foundation, the partnership will include "The Safety Zone" which offers digital safety tips, doctor's advice and many other safety topics. One such topic is what to expect when your child goes to the Dr. submitted by Dr. Jason Hann-Deschaine of Delaware Pediatrics. Hann-Deschaine said, "This program helps parents keep their children safe by increasing awareness about important topics. I am excited by this opportunity to work with the State Police and educate families on what to expect when going to the doctor."

Another topic offered by New Castle County Councilman David Tackett, is Parks and Rec safety. Tackett said of the program."The Park can be beautiful place to go with your family but it can also be a dangerous place, It is very important to keep your family close and always be alert to your surroundings. Even in a peaceful setting you cannot let your guard down. That's why the DSP Safe Kids Cards are a valuable resource if ever needed."

Since 2006 the Delaware State Police has provided over 8,000 CD ID kits to Delaware children. The updated ID's will now offer education in addition to identification. Delaware State Police Superintendent, Col. Robert Coupe said, “The Delaware State Police appreciates the partnership we share with the Ronnie Williams Foundation; working together to protect children. We are very excited about the expanded partnership to include Delaware Pediatricians, which will allow us the opportunity to provide this valuable identification program to more families.”

This new partnership will also offer an informational website, www.delawaresafetycoalition.org The site will offer safety topics, input from participating pediatricians and printable safety activities for children. In addition to "The Safety Zone", parents can watch a short video produced by the Delaware State Police. "Run, Yell, Tell" emphasizes the importance of abduction prevention and talking with children about stranger safety.

The digital CD ID cards are available through the Delaware State Police at community events and at Delaware Pediatrics locations in North Wilmington and Townsend. All Delaware pediatricians are welcome to participate in the program. The unique partnership allows doctor's to offer their patients a vital safety tool and the Delaware State Police to assist parents with the completion of each ID. Jennifer Hawkins, Co-Founder of the Ronnie Williams Foundation says "A partnership like this opens up lines of communication among doctors, parents and police. By offering parents a program where they know they will get solid answers to their concerns is a win win scenario for everyone involved."

To find out about events where the Delaware State Police will be offering their Safe Kids Card program, visit www.thergwfoundation.org/events.html

To request the program for your community event, contact Sgt. Walter Newton at: Walter.Newton@state.de.us

If you are a pediatrician that would like to partner with the Delaware State Police and offer the CD ID's to your patients, contact Jennifer Hawkins at 302-893-0177 or visit www.delawaresafetycoalition.org