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Accept a grant award of $140,000 from the Office of Traffic Safety for the period October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, to support the Solano Car Seat Connection program
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services recommends that the Board of Supervisors accept a $140,000 grant award from the Office of Traffic Safety for the period October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, to support the Solano Car Seat Connection program.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division, Health Promotion and Community Wellness Bureau, established the Solano Car Seat Connection Program in 1996, in accordance with Senate Bill 1073, which allocates a portion of fines collected for child safety seat violations. The Solano Car Seat Connection Program provides a popular, low-cost car seat program for lower-income Solano County residents. Qualifying families are eligible for low-cost car safety seats for infants and children up to age 8. Classes are also provided on the proper installation and use of car seats, scheduled in English and Spanish, and offered virtually and in person throughout Solano County.
Through a competitive grant application process, Solano County received a notification on May 29, 2026, that it would receive an award allocation of $140,000 from the Office of Traffic Safety from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. The grant funds will be used to teach car seat safety classes in-person and virtually, conduct in-person inspections, promote the program through community events, and partners. The funds will assist with delivery services and will provide at least 125 low or no-cost car safety seats.
Solano Car Seat Connection aims to educate families about car seat safety practices and proper installation and use to reduce injuries and save lives. Through educational efforts and access to new low-cost car seats, the program assists Solano County residents, including parents, caregivers, and family members, who transport children in their vehicles.
The Board of Supervisors first approved acceptance of the Office of Traffic Safety grant for the Solano Car Seat Connection Program on November 9, 2021, and has been awarded and accepted the grant since that date.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Office of Traffic Safety has awarded Solano County $140,000 for the Solano Car Seat Connection Program. The grant period is October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. $105,000 in funding for the grant for the remainder of FY2026/27 is budgeted in the Department’s FY2026/27 Working Budget. The remaining $35,000 in grant funds will be included in the Department’s FY2027/28 Requested Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to accept the grant. This is not recommended as these funds represent an opportunity to provide protection for infants and children in a motor vehicle accident and to teach parents and caregivers about the importance of child car safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
H&SS collaborates with the Office of Traffic Safety to develop the program work plan and partners with various community agencies to implement, including the Women, Infants, and Children Program, First 5 Solano, childcare providers, local hospitals, and fire and police departments.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION