Child Advocacy Center of Niagara

10/20/2026

Recall Alert:
The bedside sleepers with play yard extensions violate the mandatory safety standard for play yards because the mattress can become displaced causing a baby to become entrapped between the sleeping pad and bottom posing a deadly suffocation hazard.

Consumers should stop using the convertible bedside sleeper immediately and contact Papablic for a refund. Consumers will be asked to disassemble the product, cut the mattress and fabric components in half and email photos of the destroyed components to [email protected]. Upon receipt of proof of...

10/20/2026

Why Do We Talk About Infant Safe Sleep?

Approximately 3,400 infants die from sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) each year in the United States. In September 2026, the CDC released findings from an analysis of 4,861 SUID cases reported between 2020 and 2024:

-> Most infants were 0–3 months old, male, and born full-term.

-> Black and White infants accounted for the majority of deaths examined.

-> Unsafe sleep factors were present in at least 75% of cases.

These findings reinforce the importance of safe sleep education, particularly during the earliest months of life.

To read more from the CDC report, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7535a1.htm

10/15/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and today we wear purple. This month is a time to learn, listen, and take action. Understanding domestic violence is one way we can better support survivors and challenge the beliefs and behaviors that allow abuse to continue.

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

We would like to say THANK YOU to the Third Warders Social Club - Ladies Auxiliary for their amazing donation to the CAC! This picture only captures a fraction of what this group collected. These items will bring so much comfort to the children and youth who visit the Center. Thank you for thinking of the CAC and all your hard work pulling this together! We are so grateful!

10/08/2026

Thank you to Bob Confer and WNY Tonight, a production of Lockport Community Television, for hosting the CAC of Niagara!

A new episode of WNY Tonight is now available for your viewing/listening: https://lnkd.in/gAUxTzSR

If you are someone who serves children and families (maybe you are an educator, nurse, counselor, pastor, coach, mentor) the 2026 Safe at Home Conference being held on October 21st is something you should consider attending (registration closes on the 9th).

Shelley Hitzel, LMSW, Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara, spoke with Bon Confer about the event, the Center, child abuse, and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

A production of Lockport Community Television, WNY Tonight is your show about the people, places, organizations, and events that make Western New York a great place to live, work, and play.

For more information on the Safe at Home Conference, visit: https://cacofniagara.org/services/family-violence-intervention-project/

10/08/2026

Practicing Infant Safe Sleep saves lives. Sleeping on surfaces like couches, armchairs, or sharing an adult bed with an infant increases the risks for suffocation and entrapment. Following safe sleep practices is the safest way for babies to sleep. Not all caregivers are aware of safe sleep practices and this is why it is so important we talk about safe sleep with everyone who cares for a baby - parents, caregivers, grandparents, older siblings, babysitters and daycares.

Erie County health officials are urging safe infant sleep practices after seven babies died due to unsafe conditions, with caregivers advised to follow key guideline

10/07/2026

The AAP has developed an interactive tool to help demonstrate why safe sleep practices help prevent suffocation. Visit the site - Why Babies Still Die in Their Sleep, here:

https://stories.aap.org/safe-sleep/index.html?_gl=1*1escqjr*_ga*MTIwNjIzOTU1OC4xNzkwMTA0Njk2*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*czE3OTEyOTUxNTMkbzMkZzAkdDE3OTEyOTUxNjEkajUyJGwwJGgw*_gcl_au*MTc1NjIxODkyMy4xNzkwMTA0Njk2*_ga_GMZCQS1K47*czE3OTEyOTUxNTMkbzMkZzAkdDE3OTEyOTUxNTMkajYwJGwwJGgw

10/06/2026

Living in Light: The Art of Healing is this evening! October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and this beautiful event showcases survivor artwork from members in our community and raises funds for Pinnacle Community Services' Passage Domestic Violence Services.

10/06/2026

Registration closes this Friday! Haven't registered yet? Follow this link for details and registration information: https://cacofniagara.org/services/family-violence-intervention-project/