PlacesRichmond, VirginiaCommunity OrganizationGovernment OrganizationThe Virginia Department of Social Services
The Norfolk Department of Social Services will host its third annual Adoption Conference on November 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel located at 777 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA 23510.
Kevin Campbell, founder of the Center for Family Finding and Youth Connectedness (http://www.familyfinding.org), will discuss adoption disruption, share strategies to support adoptive parents, and lead participants through frameworks and action steps to re-establish opportunities for families and adopted youth to feel connected and safe together as a family.
This conference is open to all adoptive families, community partners, and family services workers. The cost to attend is $50, which includes continental breakfast and lunch. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/strategies-to-support-adoptive….
Sway is a creative and playful little girl who loves all things related to the movie Frozen. She also enjoys hearing fairy tale stories that have "happily ever after" endings.
Sway’s hobbies include horseback riding, coloring and other art activities. She has also recently developed an interest in jazz music. Are you Sway's forever family?
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Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
If able, and unless directed otherwise by a doctor, mothers should breastfeed exclusively or feed with expressed milk (ie, not offer any formula or other nonhuman milk-based supplements) for a baby's first 6 months of life. Any amount of breastfeeding has been shown to be more protective against SIDS than no breastfeeding.
What does "environment-appropriate clothing" mean for your baby in regards to #SafeSleep365?
Studies have shown an increased risk of SIDS due to overheating. Therefore, it is best to dress infants in light clothing with no more than one layer more than what you would wear in the same environment. Over-bundling and head covering should be avoided.
Know the principles, execute the practices and educate your partners. Make the pledge today! www.SafeSleep365.com #SafeSleep365
Alexa is a very sweet and loving teenager. She has a great sense of humor and enjoys spending time with peers, listening to music and editing photos. Alexa does well in school, especially with math. She is used to having siblings in the home and is a great help with younger children. Are you Alexa's forever family?
Despite a 23-year campaign by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) urging that babies be placed on their back to sleep, a recent study found that only 43.7% of U.S. mothers who plan to put their baby to sleep with this method actually do so every time for every sleep.
Make #SafeSleep365 a habit in your home. http://www.cnn.com/…/baby-sleep-guidelines-sids-…/index.html
#MythBustingMonday (infant safe sleep addition! 
👶)
www.safesleep365.com
A component of the #SafeSleep365 pledge is a promise that your baby will always sleep in his/her own crib/bassinet. This may include sleeping in the same room, but never in the same bed as you. But, why?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that "there is evidence that sleeping in the parents’ room, but on a separate surface decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%. In addition, this arrangement is most likely to prevent suffocation, strangulation, and entrapment that may occur when the infant is sleeping in the adult bed."
Adopt William! William enjoys living in the countryside. While outdoors, he likes practicing skateboard tricks as well as other physical activities. William gets along well with others and enjoys being with other people. He works hard at school and is a great help around the house. Are you William's forever family?
Take the pledge and add a frame to your profile picture to show your support for safe sleep practices for babies everywhere. #SafeSleep365
Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) considers efforts to reduce instances of SIDS to be one of the "Seven Great Achievements in Pediatric Research"?
Nearly 4,700 U.S. infants died from SIDS in 1993. As a result, the “Back-to-Sleep” campaign launched the following year. Research showed that between 1993 and 2010 the percent of infants placed to sleep on their backs increased from 17% to 73%. Following the initiation of the “Back-to-Sleep” campaign, the number of infants dying from SIDS has decreased to 2,063 per year as of 2010.
Being an advocate for #SafeSleep365 is more than just practicing safe sleep at home with your baby. Education is key to changing outdated practices and saving lives.
Make sure your partners (like your spouse, child care provider, siblings, grandparents and friends) know and practice your safe sleep routine. Visit www.safesleep365.com/downloadablemedia
It's been a little over a week since we launched #SafeSleep365. Have you taken the pledge to ensure that your baby sleeps Alone. Apart. Always? www.SafeSleep365.com
When you pledge #SafeSleep365, you promise to keep your baby's sleep space free of any toys, blankets and pillows.
You make this pledge because you know that soft objects (like pillows, soft toys, bumper pads, etc.) can obstruct an infant’s nose and mouth. An obstructed airway can pose a risk of suffocation, entrapment or SIDS. Be sure to educate your partners on your sleeping practices and rules.
#MythBustingMonday (infant safe sleep addition! 👶)
Visit www.SafeSleep365.com to learn more.
