The Wichita Police Department has started a pilot program to help families who have had trouble getting the proper car seats for their children.

The program is called Safely Seating ICT Kids.   Police chief Gordon Ramsay said a citizen who is issued a citation for a child car seat violation will have the opportunity to apply for a free car seat.  If approved, the citizen will be given a proper car seat and the citation will be dismissed.   Approval for a free car seat will be based on financial need and final approval by the Youth Advocacy Coalition Coordinator at the Atwater Neighborhood Resource Center.

Chief Ramsay said it’s a way to help low-income families and build relationships in the community.   He said it’s a proactive effort by the department and the focus is to help citizens.

The program is being offered in the 67214 zip code, and WPD hopes to expand it citywide in the coming months.   A grant is being used to fund the project and the department will be seeking donations to keep it going.  Anyone who would like to donate to the program can email WPD associate accountant Shauna Dickman at SDickman@wichita.gov