In California, Capay Rotary donates 'Shaken Baby' simulator to Cache Creek High health class | Shaken Baby Syndrome

According to a report published online, the members of the Rotary Club of Capay Valley acknowledge October as Domestic Violence Awareness month by donating a "Shaken Baby Simulator Doll" to the health class at Cache Creek High School in Yolo.

With these simulators parents and future parents can easily see how an infant can be harmed by shaking. Shaken Baby Syndrome is a type of inflicted traumatic brain injury that happens when a baby is violently shaken. The Rotary Clubs within District 5160 have made Child Abuse Prevention a priority. Aware parents are careful parents.

To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Kansas, Lexie’s Law raised standards for Kansas child care, officials say | Shaken Baby Syndrome

*Excerpt taken from article posted here*

Two years after the passage of Lexie’s Law — landmark legislation that tightened the regulation of Kansas child care facilities — officials say the quality and availability of child care have increased.

More importantly, they said, Kansas has turned around its once-dismal reputation and now serves as a model for other states when it comes to oversight of small family child care homes.

Five years ago, Kansas ranked 46th in the country for policies that govern child care centers. This year the state catapulted to third place in a report by the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies, which repeatedly cited Lexie’s Law as among the most significant changes to promote children’s health and safety.

“It’s been a team effort and it’s been a process, but honestly there hasn’t been a lot of pushback,” said Rachel Berroth, director of child care licensing for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

“Everyone knew we needed more training to better prepare our providers to protect and care for our children.”

Lexie’s Law was named for 13-month-old Lexie Engelman, who suffered fatal injuries at a Johnson County day care in 2004. Signed into law in 2010, it marked the first major change to the state’s child care standards in more than three decades.

In addition to mandating inspections of day care facilities and training for providers, the measure established a host of requirements for supervising children, including monitoring, diapering and toilet practices, safe-sleep practices and playground oversight.

It also established an online database of child care providers with information about complaints that parents can access.

Lexie’s Law did away with an entire category of day care providers – “registered” day cares, which could care for up to six children but were inspected only in response to complaints. As of February, all providers must be licensed and are inspected regularly.

The change prompted some registered providers to leave the business, Berroth said. Others opted to pursue licensure, a step that allows them to care for up to 10 children instead of six.

To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/07/19/2417655/lexies-law-raised-standards-for.html#storylink=cpy

In Texas, Grandmothers gather for 'Baby 101' | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Seven grandmothers gathered together for Medical Center Hospital’s inaugural “grandmother tea”, where they learned about the most recent baby feeding practices and safety information.

“Who else besides the father of the baby is a big influence in the mom’s life?” MCH nurse and lactation consultant Marla Renfro asked the class rhetorically, explaining why they were reaching out to grandmothers.

One family even sent out two generations of women, since grandmother-to-be Melody Gilbert brought along her own mother Janice Boyles.

“I want to be a support to my daughter-in-law,” Gilbert said.

She said her grandson Grey is due May 29th.

While Gilbert said she raised three children, things have changed and she wanted the most up-to-date information.

Boyles said that when she raised Gilbert she wrapped her loosely in a baby blanket, while Gilbert said she remembered swaddling, or snugly wrapping a baby, being popular when she was having children.

“That’s something new for me to learn,” Boyles said.

The sessions started off talking about the benefits of breast feeding, and while that’s something only a mother can do, Renfro and her colleague Candy Powell explained that grandmothers could provide accurate breastfeeding information to new mothers.

And while Renfro mentioned the swaddling trend, she said that the most recent research said that skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby is most beneficial.

Powell and Renfro also discussed Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

SIDS, sometimes called “crib death”, is the unexplained death of an apparently healthy baby typically while he or she is asleep, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

Parents can reduce risks by placing the baby on his or her back on a firm crib mattress that’s covered by a fitted sheet, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“(Moms) have issues because grandma wants to put the baby on the tummy,” Powell said, explaining that sometimes grandmothers aren’t aware of the risks of SIDS.

Additionally, they touched on Shaken Baby Syndrome and provided grandmothers with informational pamphlets on car seats and basic baby safety.


To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

National Campaign Launches to Spread Awareness about Normal Infant Crying and the Dangers of Shaking an Infant | Shaken Baby Syndrome

 Knitters and crocheters across North America are reportedly being asked to make purple colored baby caps to help educate parents and caregivers

Frustration with a crying infant is reportedly the number one trigger for the shaking and abuse of infants. In an effort to help spread awareness about normal infant crying and the dangers of shaking an infant, the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is launching a national public education campaign to make tens of thousands of purple colored baby caps.

The grassroots campaign called, CLICK for Babies: Period of PURPLE Crying Caps, invites knitters and crocheters across North America to make purple colored baby caps which will be delivered to families in November and December with the Period of PURPLE Crying, an evidence based program that educates parents about normal infant crying, ways to cope with the crying and the dangers of reacting in frustration by shaking or abusing an infant. The campaign will launch in April as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"A handmade purple cap is a great way to remind parents about the Period of PURPLE Crying and the dangers of shaking," says Ryan Steinbeigle, Campaign Director. "Last year, over 60,000 PURPLE colored caps were donated and distributed to thousands of families across North America in an effort to prevent infant abuse."

CLICK for Babies, now in its second year, is a collaborative effort between the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome and invited states and provinces who have implemented the Period of PURPLE Crying. Oregon, Washington, Utah, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, North Carolina, West Virginia, New Hampshire and Maine have joined the 2012 campaign in addition to the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia.

"We are so thrilled to be involved again in the CLICK for Babies campaign," says Sandy Nipper, RN, Child Safety Program Coordinator at Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Oregon. "Last Year's campaign was so successful and it was such a wonderful experience to provide all of the handmade purple hats from knitters and crocheters across the country to parents and babies with the PURPLE program."

Organizers have set a goal of collecting 100,000 purple caps for the 2012 campaign. Caps will be collected from April through the end of September and distributed to babies in November and December. Knitters and crocheters are invited to send their caps to organizers in their area or directly to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.

More information about the CLICK for Babies campaign, including patterns for caps, guidelines and details about the national campaign are available at www.CLICKforbabies.org .

The Period of PURPLE Crying, developed by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works nationally to prevent the shaking and abuse of infants, is an evidence based infant abuse prevention program that has been implemented in over 900 hospitals and public health offices across North America to create awareness about normal infant crying and the dangers of shaking. To learn more about the Period of PURPLE Crying visit www.PURPLEcrying.info

To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

In Virginia, Grandfather Kneels, and Says Goodnight Prayers next to Empty Crib | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Every night around 10 o'clock, Steve Stowe heads to a bedroom of his house in Hampton, bends his head and says goodnight prayers to an empty crib.

It's a ritual that would break the hearts or the spirits of many of us, but Steve uses it to keep his 3-year-old grandson close, two years after young Jared Patton lost his battle with the fatal, crippling effects of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The ritual also helps Steve refuel for his own ongoing battle to educate the people of Virginia about the syndrome, and to save the lives of other babies before they are shaken to death — or to what amounts to a slow death — by a caregiver.

But while Jared lived, his grandparents made it their mission to make every moment as loving and special as possible.

Steve has written about that mission in a new book called "Jared's Journey: The Magical Life of a Shaken Baby." It's self-published through Friesen Press.

I can't speak to the full contents because I can't get beyond the introduction without choking up.

Jared, Steve writes, "endured his expedition to earth to teach my wife, Kathy, myself and many others just how to dance with God. …the magical story of Jared's life here on earth must be shared with anyone who has ever doubted the presence of a God, or the numerous layers of strength that the human body can and will endure."

Along with writing this book, Steve and Kathy have been doing what they can to educate others about Shaken Baby Syndrome. They've lobbied state lawmakers to try to get legislation to help educate new parents across the commonwealth.

They haven't succeeded yet, but haven't given up.

With the help of former Newport News delegate Glenn Oder, a resolution passed the General Assembly last year to study the costs of caring for shaken babies and best prevention practices in other states.

The state's Joint Commission on Health Care used the Stowes as a case study, in part because Kathy kept such meticulous records, from every diaper change to every trip to a pharmacy.

The study found the couple spent nearly $230,000 over three years — money that Steve said they begged, borrowed and stole, and are still paying back.

But the study also found Jared's care cost the state an additional $300,000 a year. It would have cost about three times as much, had Jared been institutionalized, as many shaken babies are.

To Read More on this Story: Click Here

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

International Conference to Help Families and Professionals - November Organization Spotlight

One of the most important goals of Keane Law Firm is to protect our children, and raise awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome through prevention efforts.  In the process, Keane Law has been able to come into contact with a phenomenal Organization working each and everyday for the betterment of our children, and providing support to the families that are sadly affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome.

We are excited to present to you our November Organization Spotlight, The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.  The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome comes with a mission, a mission shown Internationally,  “To educate and train parents and professionals, and to conduct research that will prevent the shaking and abuse of infants in the United States”


Shaken Baby Syndrome is the leading cause of death in abusive head trauma cases. Shaken Baby Syndrome is a type of inflicted traumatic brain injury that happens when a baby is violently shaken, and it is estimated 1200 to 1400 children are injured or killed as a result of shaking every year in the United States.

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome - Farmington, UT

Recently we had the pleasure of speaking with Danielle Vazquez from The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.  Danielle is the Conference Coordinator for the Center, and has been doing so for approximately 4 1/2 years. Though Danielle is not personally affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome, working in the field of prevention and awareness of SBS, Danielle says has been the most rewarding to see the groups of families affected come together, and work together in prevention of SBS.  As the Conference Coordinator, Danielle works restlessly to plan the Conference, organizing special presentations and workshops for a broad range of Professionals, as well as the abstract presentations presented by the families affected, and ensuring scholarships are offered and available to families who plan to attend but need the financial assistance to do so.

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome - Staff & Volunteers

NCSBS Executive Director and Founder, Marilyn Barr

The NCSBS has recently announced the Twelfth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma in Cambridge/Boston Massachusetts September 29, 30, & October 1, 2012.  The conference program will focus on four areas of expertise; legal challenges in Abusive Head Trauma Cases, evidence-based and creative prevention programs and intiatives, the latest medical information and research, and support for families and rehabilitation for victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma. The program is set to be released in January of 2012, and if you are interested in submitting an abstract presentation to present please follow this link, and click on "Abstract Submission Form".

The Opening Reception hosted by The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome

This Conference is the only International Conference of it's kind.  There is not any other Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome you can attend and obtain all of the information, services, resources, and opportunities like those available to you at the Twelfth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome. 

As the November Organization Spotlight for the Keane Law Firm, we are proud to recognize the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome for their mission and endless dedication to prevention, for all of the lives that have been saved, and for the support given to the families affected.  Your mission and dedication are the lights of promise and hope on the paths for us all, whether we are a family, a professional, or a concerned citizen. You are the voice, the voice of prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

For more information on the Twelfth Conference on SBS: Click Here

To learn more about The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome visit http://www.dontshake.org

If you have any questions concerning this conference, please contact Danielle Vazquez by email: dvazquez@dontshake.org or by phone: 801.447.9360 ext. 111

If you have any questions or concerns about what can be done to help babies who have been shaken, or families of babies who have died, please call Christopher Keane and The Keane Law Firm toll-free for free consultation at (888) 592-5437 (KIDS), click on contact us here, or use the web form provided at http://www.keanelaw.com

Hawaii House & Senate Briefed on Shaken Baby & Child Abuse Prevention | CA Shaken Baby Syndrome Attorney

Shaken baby syndrome education and prevention programs have reached Hawaii, according to the Hawaii House Blog website.  According to the site, an informative briefing on elder and child abuse prevention was held today by Senate and House Committees on Human Services.  Government agencies and community organizations were invited to the session to brief lawmakers on the subject, and among the attendees were representatives from the Community Care Foster Homes Association, the Honolulu Police Department, the Adult Residential Care Homes Association, and the Hawaii Coalition of Caregivers Association.

Abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome) expert Dr. Philip Hyden educated attendees on the causes of head injuries characteristic of shaken baby syndrome, such as excessive force or shaking.  A minor accident such as a fall from a couch, for example, would not cause the bruising, bleeding, and swelling of the brain or damage to the retinas that occurs when a child's brain moves back and forth against the skull.  Dr. Hyden also informed listeners of the frequency of abusive head trauma cases resulting from a caregiver's frustration with a baby's crying.

For more information about the symptoms of abusive head trauma, shaken baby syndrome prevention, or other questions you may have, contact California child injury attorney Chris Keane via the web or call 1-888-592-KIDS.  As an advocate for injured and abused children, Keane devotes his practice to representing only children, and he will answer your questions for free if you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome.

Vigil for Shaken Baby Syndrome Victim Aimed to Educate and Help Heal | Child Wrongful Death Lawyer

In Danville, IL, a candlelight vigil is scheduled for this week in remembrance of toddler Reagan Williams, a fatal victim of shaken baby syndrome, according to the News-Gazette.  This year marks the third anniversary of young Reagan's death, and the vigil is open to the community.  According to the autopsy report, the toddler died at age two and a half of head trauma consistent with shaken baby syndrome on July 2, 2006, while in the care of her mother, Tracy Green, and Green's boyfriend, Ryan Allhands.  Twenty-three-year-old Allhands awaits a July 20th trial and faces charges of first-degree murder for Reagan's death.

According to Reagan's paternal grandfather, Greg Williams, the vigil is not about placing blame, but about celebrating the life of the toddler, sharing memories, and coming together for healing.  Williams plans to share information about abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome) and domestic violence at the event, especially since so many child abuse and shaken baby syndrome cases continue to arise.  Williams believes that more education is crucial:  after Reagan died, Williams, his wife, and the baby's other grandparents joined forces to start a nonprofit organization that supports local agencies for victims of abuse and implements awareness programs on domestic violence and shaken baby syndrome.   Through the organization, Reagan's Rescue, as well as other shaken baby syndrome organizations, Williams has been able to help other grandfathers cope after losing their grandchildren in similar cases of abuse.

If you have lost a child due to shaken baby syndrome, child abuse and child injury attorney Chris Keane can help you connect with other families and organizations that can help you through the coping process.  If you believe that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome, the Keane Law Firm can help you find the medical care your child needs to diagnose and treat his or her injuries.  For free answers to any questions you may have regarding shaken baby syndrome (abusive head trauma), wrongful death, or helpful programs for victims of child abuse, contact Chris Keane in an online form or call 1-888-592-KIDS.