Lil Angels program helps reduce the risk of sleep-related death
A single mom without support from extended family, Joyce* was struggling to meet the needs of her busy toddler and eight-month-old baby. Feeling alone and overwhelmed, she called the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS). “You always think that if you call children’s aid they’re going to take away your kids, but I had nowhere else to turn. I knew I was a good mother and just needed some guidance,” remembers Joyce. “When I called CCAS, they were at my door an hour later.” An intake worker and health specialist helped Joyce address an important safety issue: the baby was sleeping in Joyce’s bed because she couldn’t afford a crib.
Not all beds are safe for babies
Where and how a baby sleeps can put them at risk for sleep-related death. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the CCAS workers explained that the safest place for Joyce’s baby to sleep was alone in a crib with a firm mattress covered only with a fitted sheet without pillows, crib bumper pads or blankets. They referred her to Lil Angels, which provides new cribs and sleep sacks to vulnerable families supported by the CCAS.
The program pays for cribs when families can’t
Lil Angels is one of many programs funded by the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) to pay for goods and services that children safe but aren’t covered by government support for families involved with child welfare.
After some initial adjustments to the new crib, Joyce and her baby are both sleeping soundly. “Life would be different if I hadn’t called CCAS. I was feeling really low; I needed resources and I needed support,” says Joyce. “It’s nice to have someone come in and check on you. They really care.”
Ann is another single mom with limited means: her son spent his first three months sleeping in a bassinet. Stressed by being a single parent and dealing with postpartum issues, Ann also turned to the CCAS for help.
From stressed to sleeping safe and sound
After a safety assessment revealed that Ann was co-sleeping with her child, the worker referred Ann to the crib program. When the crib arrived, the worker helped educate Ann on the safest ways to put her baby to sleep. Knowing her son has a safe place to sleep has been a huge relief for Ann. She is even able to take a quick shower now, without worrying about his safety. She is extremely grateful for the support from her workers and the crib program, made possible thanks to your support of the Foundation.
Read more inspiring stories about the impact of the CCAF on children and families.
Or make a donation to the Lil Angels program.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.
