Police Minister launches Child Safety Handbook

4/5/00

Police Minister Kevin Prince today urged parents, guardians, schoolteachers and others to make a small but valuable investment in the Western Australian Police Legacy, Child Safety Handbook.
The Minister launched the South East Metropolitan edition of the handbook at the Meelup Child Care Centre in Mount Lawley.
"It is a tragedy that more than 20 primary school-aged children die and a further 4,300 are hospitalised each year in Western Australia as a result of injury and many others seek help for emotional, physical and sexual abuse," Mr Prince said.
In excess of 270,000 copies of the Child Safety Handbook have been distributed since the first edition in 1993.
The book is continually updated and improved with the assistance of the Health Department, Drug and Alcohol Authority, Princess Margaret Hospital, Protective Behaviours WA (Inc) and includes articles from the Safety Houses Project, Protective Behaviours Program, Police and Citizen's Youth Clubs and numerous other organisations.
"This handbook is designed to help parents and others caring for children to avoid hazards which can injure, hospitalise and even kill our children," the Minister said.
"It provides practical information on child safety at home, in the backyard, in the playground, near water and on the roads, as well as sound advice on first aid and resuscitation procedures.
"It also gives valuable tips on disciplining children without using violence, keeping of poisons and medications safely stored at home and what to look for when buying children's furniture or toys.
"The publication also looks at the problems associated with teenagers and particularly the pressures of drugs, alcohol and cigarette smoking and the personal safety of our children."
This year more than 50,000 copies of the Child Safety Handbook will be distributed in WA.
"Feedback from schools and other community groups show that the handbook has been widely accepted and is proving to be a positive approach to child safety and the Government's approach to creating a Safer WA," Mr Prince said.
"I would urge parents, guardians, teachers and even children to take time to read it.
"For a small investment, it will undoubtedly help protect the safety of our most precious asset - our children."
The Child Safety Handbook is produced by WA Police Legacy.
Media contact: Chris Morris 9220 5000