Economic Troubles Leading to More Severe Cases of Child Abuse, Such as Shaken Baby Syndrome (Abusive Head Trauma)

The economic situation in the U.S. has affected the number of instances of severe child abuse, according to an article from the Miami Herald.  According to Florida's Department of Children & Families (DCF) Secretary George Sheldon,  while the number of investigations and calls regarding child abuse have decreased over the past year, the number of severe cases of child abuse appears to have increased.  When Sheldon received a message on his Blackberry during Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week about an 8-month-old girl who died after being shaken by her mother's boyfriend, he sadly explained that he has received numerous incident reports of a similar nature lately.  In particular, the abuse cases that begin with "violent [bursts] of anger" and result in fatality have increased:  28 deaths resulting from injuries to the torso or head, as in the case of shaken baby syndrome, were investigated by the DCF in 2007, compared with 35 of the same type of cases in 2008.  Currently, 82 child fatalities reported to the DCF are under investigation to determine whether abuse (and what type of abuse) was the cause of the deaths.   According to the Miami Herald, 20 of the 35 shaken babies who died in 2008 came from families that received financial aid or food stamps, and Sheldon believes that more child abuse fatalities could occur this year as the economic crisis escalates, more and more caregivers are under stress and frustration, and prevention programs lose funds due to budget cuts.  The devastating problem is not unique to the state of Florida; The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome has stated that there appears to have been an increase in severe cases of child abuse and shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma).

As an advocate for children who have been injured or severely abused, child injury lawyer Chris Keane has connected families with physicians to ensure that children receive the care they need to live longer, healthier lives.  For families who have lost children due to severe injuries or abuse, Keane has compassionately and diligently worked to bring them the compensation and financial stability they need while trying to cope with indescribable loss.  If you have been in a similar situation, feel free to contact the Keane Law Firm with your most important questions.  We will talk with you for free and express our compassion while employing our expertise.  1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).