If you are a low-income family in Louisiana and in need of a free car seat, this is the guide for you. Car seat safety is of the utmost importance, and this guide will provide you with all the information you need to get a free car seat in Louisiana.
You will find information on various programs that provide free car seats, as well as alternative ways of finding a free car seat if you are unable to participate in one of these programs. Additionally, the car seat law in Louisiana will be outlined so that you can ensure you are in compliance. This guide is the ultimate resource for finding a free car seat program in Louisiana, so be sure to read on for more information.
Free car seat programs in Louisiana (2022)
South Central Planning and Development Commission
The South Central Planning and Development Commission has raised 60,000 dollars for free car seats to deliver to low-income families or single parents in Louisiana.
To apply for the program, families or single parents need to contact the South Central Planning and Development Commission at (318)-419-1993. Families or single parents who are accepted into the program will need to fill out an application form. Once accepted into the program, families or single parents will be able to attend classes taught by instructors on how to use the car seats safely.
Alternative programs to get a free car seat in Louisiana
If you are in need of a free car seat, there are a few alternative programs available to residents of Louisiana. The first place to check is with WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). Many WIC programs will provide a free car seat after completion of a short class on car seat safety and usage. If your local WIC does not have such a program, they may be able to direct you to other local programs or charities that can help.
Another option is to see if you are eligible for Medicaid coverage of a car seat. The Health Insurance Marketplace website has an online application that can help you determine if you are eligible for Medicaid coverage. Generally, Medicaid will require you to enroll in a car seat safety course before providing a free car seat.
Buckle up for life is a national organization that has donated 61,858 car seats to low-income families. They work with different organizations at a local level to provide resources, education, and training to parents all over the country. Families in need who participate in their child passenger safety classes may qualify to receive a free car seat.
Safe Kids Worldwide is an international organization committed to keeping children safe from injuries. In the United States, Safe Kids has over 400 coalitions and partners with 30 different countries. If you need help with car seat installation or finding financial assistance, Safe Kids is a helpful resource. They have a network of certified child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs) who have completed a 40-hour training on everything related to car seats, including new car seats on the market and ever-changing safety guidelines.
Another resource that may be helpful is “211”, a service run by United Way that connects you to your closest 211 call center. 211 is available in all 50 states and is accessible to approximately 334 million people in the United States. This service can help you find resources for things like food, rent assistance, and affordable car seats.
If you’re struggling to find an affordable car seat, your local CPST is a great resource. CPSTs are constantly going through extra training and need to be informed of all car seats on the market. Many police and fire professionals are also certified CPSTs. Even if they aren’t, most police/fire departments have resources needed to help you find the right place to go.
Most insurance companies provide car seats free of charge to insured new mothers or pregnant women. Contact the insurance company (the number should be on your insurance card) and it’s very likely they will cover the cost up to a certain point or directly provide you a car seat.
Another option is to ask your local church for help. They will be glad to get you in contact with a charity or institute that provides resources to low-income families.
Hospitals are another possible place to get car seats without any cost. They will either help you or direct you towards some great local resources.
What are louisiana car seat laws?
According to Louisiana car seat laws, every driver who transports a child or children under the age of eighteen years in a motor vehicle that is in motion and is required by federal safety standards to be equipped with a safety belt system or lower anchors and tethers for children in a passenger seating position shall have the child properly restrained according to the vehicle and child safety seat manufacturer’s instructions. For more details about Louisiana Child Passenger Safety Law click here.
Final Thoughts
We hope the information we have discussed above was able to help you find free car seat programs in Louisiana. If you fail to find any free car seat programs in Louisiana, try to reach your nearest police/fire departments. Most police/fire departments have the resources needed to help you find free car seat programs if your state has any. Feel free to comment for more info.
