Memorial Hospital for Children Implements Child Abuse Prevention Program to Combat Rise in Shaken Baby Cases

Memorial Hospital for Children in Colorado Springs has already treated 25 abused babies this year, with six of the children suffering fatal injuries and the rest of them inflicted with brain damage, blindness, paralysis, or other serious conditions, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.  Twenty-six total cases of child abuse were handled by the hospital last year-- showing a significant rise in child abuse for 2009 based on the 25 cases seen by the hospital in just seven months this year.  Also from January through July of 2009, twice the number of babies have died as a result of child abuse than the number recorded for all of last year.  According to officials from Memorial Hospital, the majority of these incidents of abuse are cases of shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma), and the hospital hopes to combat these rising numbers with a new prevention program scheduled to begin August 1st.  Similar to prevention efforts in other states, the program involves teaching all new parents (and, hopefully, other family members) about the dangers of shaking a child as well as how to handle a baby's chronic crying when it occurs at home.

According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, the rise in abusive head trauma cases is a trend across the United States, with an estimated 1,200 to 1,400 cases per year, but research shows that prevention efforts such as the one adopted by Memorial Hospital may cut the number of shaken baby cases in half.  Not only is the new program intended to prevent parents from abusing their children, but also to cause parents to be extremely careful when choosing caregivers for their babies.

For more information about abusive head trauma, its effects, and how to receive the best medical care for your child, contact shaken baby syndrome lawyer Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS. He will be glad to provide you with free resources and advice regarding your unique situation.

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Gazette:  Memorial combats rise in shaken-baby cases with new program