In New York, Shaken baby syndrome simulator baby arrives at Family Counseling Service | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Article excerpt obtained - Click Here

If you continually shake a baby to get the child to stop crying, you might succeed — as well as cause brain damage.

That scenario is what Family Counseling Service of Northern New York’s new shaken baby syndrome simulator shows when the baby’s head isn’t supported and is jerked around.

“People don’t realize how easily you can damage a baby’s brain,” Family Counseling CEO Collene D. Alexander said. “People may throw the baby in the air in their hands a little, and while the baby may laugh, it could still damage the brain.”

The simulator, which staff has named Christian, looks and feels like a real baby. Its head, however, is clear so that people can see which parts of the brain are affected by different ways the baby is shaken. After the baby is shaken in constant motion, different parts of the brain will light up to show whether vision, memory, emotion or the ability to speak and hear would be affected.

According to information from Realityworks, the maker of the simulator baby, shaken baby syndrome is a form of abusive head trauma that causes brain injury, bleeding at the back of the eyes, swelling of the brain and other injuries. Someone found to have shaken a baby, causing injury or death, may be charged with assault on a child or child homicide.

Christian will be introduced into Family Counseling’s Nurturing Parents program after she has an introduction with the Jefferson County Department of Social Services this week. The shaken baby simulator is the only one of its kind at Family Counseling Service, although there are a few other simulator babies used in the Nurturing Parents program. Those simulators are more lifelike, and they can record when a baby is changed, cries, is fed or is neglected.

Mrs. Alexander said the Nurturing Parents program is designed to teach parents and children from low-income populations who are at high risk for child abuse and maltreatment.

Christian cost $812 and was purchased with a $750 grant from Stewart’s Holiday Match and some agency funds. Mrs. Alexander said when the shaken baby simulator was ordered she was unaware of different simulators, such as ones about fetal alcohol syndrome and the effects that pregnant women taking drugs has on babies.

If and when funding allows, Mrs. Alexander said, she’d like to add them to the Nurturing Parents program as well.

After Family Counseling’s program gets going, Mrs. Alexander said, she also hopes community agencies contract with it to educate more people about parenting practices.

Agencies that would like to set up a demonstration of how each simulator baby works can call Family Counseling Service at 782-4483.

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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 North Dakota, Shoe Collection for Silent March | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Stop the Shake, an organization reportedly committed ot spreading awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome, is collecting new or gently used shoes for their Silent March, an event to be held in April, to bring awareness to Shaken baby Syndrome and other forms of child abuse. Shoes will be donated to families in need following the event. 


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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 Georgia, Optimists hear talk from Prevent Child Abuse Coweta | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome and ways to prevent it were reportedly the focus of a talk to the Newnan Optimist Club recently by representatives of Prevent Child Abuse Coweta.

Speaking to the club at Golden Corral restaurant were reportedly Helen Passantino and Joyce Edmondson. They shared literature on ways to calm a crying baby and the danger of shaking an infant. They brought a baby-sized doll that shows the brain area to aid in their presentation.

"Taking care of a baby can sometimes be as overwhelming as it is joyful. When a baby cries inconsolably, it can leave you frustrated, angry and overwhelmed," it is noted in a Prevent Child Abuse Coweta pamphlet.

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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 Wisconsin, Shaken baby simulators available for community ed | Shaken Baby Syndrome

Last year in Wisconsin, reportedly almost half of children who died or were seriously injured due to abuse were under three-months-old.

The majority of these cases reportedly involved shaken baby syndrome. In the nation, between 1,200 and 1,600 children each year die as a result of shaken baby syndrome.

In an effort to help prevent these incidents, the Pierce County Citizen Review Panel, one of four panels in the state set up to fulfill mandates of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, has reportedly purchased two shaken baby simulator dolls from Realityworks in Eau Claire for use in the community.

The dolls are intended to educate people on the damage done when a baby is shaken. They are weighted like a real infant with heavy heads and little neck support. The heads are transparent and the different centers of the brain are labeled.


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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 Utah | Cache Valley Groups Work To Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome | Shaken Baby Syndrome

The Child and Family Support Center and Logan Regional Hospital are both working to increase education and awareness of shaken baby syndrome by participating in the Purple Crying program developed by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The Purple Crying Program campaign teaches parents that it is normal to have periods of inconsolable crying and, the program helps parents develop a plan for the day when the baby’s crying becomes too much to bear.

“Babies have never died from being left in a crib with the door shut,” said Jolene Kobe, director of the Women’s and Newborn Services at Logan Regional.

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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

Rural Areas May See More Cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome, Says Child Abuse Prevention Expert

We have posted news here on the Shaken Baby Syndrome Blog about the link between economic troubles and increased instances of shaken baby syndrome.  According to child abuse prevention expert Leah Wohlsdorf, there is also a strong correlation between rural areas and cases of shaken baby abuse, also called abusive head trauma due to the extensive amount of trauma to the head that occurs when a baby is shaken.  As the executive director of Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota, Wholsdorf reported to The Bismark Tribune that situations in rural areas can lead to an escalation in instances of abusive head trauma.  According to the Tribune, the correlation exists because isolation, which often occurs when people live great distances from each other and houses are miles apart, can lead to increased stress and, as a result, abuse during frustrating times.  It can also become more difficult to stay calm when a baby cries if there is no one else around to help or give a break to the primary caregiver.

No matter the cause of shaken baby syndrome, the condition is not to be taken lightly.  If you believe that your child or a child you know may be suffering from abusive head trauma, feel free to contact child injury attorney Chris Keane with your most pressing questions and concerns.  As an experienced shaken baby syndrome lawyer who works with the best medical experts in the field on a regular basis, he will answer your questions for free with compassion and professionalism.  For free resources, information on how you may pursue a case even if the caregiver did not intentionally harm your baby, or advice concerning your unique situation, contact Chris Keane online or by phone at 888-592-KIDS.

Relevant Link:

Prevent Child Abuse N.D. offers advice

Prevent Child Abuse Organization Receives Grant for Simulator Dolls Aimed at Shaken Baby Prevention

In the midst of economic troubles, organizations in Georgia are thankful to be the recipients of grants from the Coweta Community Foundation, some of which will help in shaken baby syndrome prevention, according to the Times-Herald online.  The mission of the foundation is to provide grants to a variety of causes that will better the quality of life for local residents.  Among those charitable causes is shaken baby syndrome (also called abusive head trauma) prevention.  Specifically, Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Coweta was given $1,000 to purchase three dolls that simulate how abusive head trauma affects a child's brain.  The simulator dolls will be placed in three separate Coweta County high schools in an effort to educate students and the local community on the serious dangers of baby shaking.  Grant money to the organization has already aided in the purchase of educational DVDs aimed at shaken baby prevention, as well.

Not only is it helpful for organizations to receive grants like this in the midst of difficult economic times for financial reasons, but also for a bigger reason:  since economic crisis leads to a significant rise in incidents of child abuse, it is more important than ever to aid in abusive head trauma prevention.  If you feel that this economy has led someone to neglect or abuse your child, contact Chris Keane for free answers to all of your questions and help recovering financial compensation for the care and rehabilitation that your child needs.  If you have any questions for a child injury and shaken baby syndrome lawyer who works as an advocate for injured and abused children, contact the Keane Law Firm so we can help you help your child.  1-888-592-KIDS.  (1-888-592-5437).

Healthy Start Coalition's Baby Shower & Expo to Discuss Shaken Baby Syndrome | California Child Injury Lawyer

Shaken baby syndrome awareness is spreading throughout the country, with some of the educational efforts coming from groups that are not directly linked to child abuse prevention.  One group in particular is the Healthy Start Coalition of Santa Rosa County, Florida, which has announced the details for its second annual baby shower and expo, according to the PNJ website.  The event, scheduled for August 8th, will honor new and expectant mothers and offer encouragement, educational materials, information regarding community support services, and other helpful resources.  Among the topics of discussion in presentations are immunization, alcohol abuse or smoking during pregnancy, the benefits of breastfeeding, and shaken baby syndrome.  While some may be concerned that shaken baby syndrome prevention seminars do not appeal to the public and, therefore, do not attract the public, leaving them uneducated about the issue, events such as this baby shower attract crowds and, hopefully, achieve the desired goal while honoring and celebrating parenthood.  According to the site, over 600 people attended the event last year.

If you would like more information about shaken baby syndrome or prevention efforts in your community, feel free to contact child abuse and child injury lawyer Chris Keane of California's Keane Law Firm.  As an advocate for victims of shaken baby syndrome, Keane will help you find the best medical care for your child and provide you with the resources you need to ensure that your baby reaches maximum recovery.  Contact Chris Keane online or call 1-888-592-KIDS.

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.

Relevant Link:

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

Child Abuse & Shaken Baby Cases Rising in Weakened Economy | CA Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer

Police in the metropolitan Las Vegas area have recently found that the number of child abuse cases in Clark County, NV, have risen 17 percent this year, according to Fox 5 News Las Vegas.  According to the news channel, Metro Lieutenant Ray Steiber attributes the increase in broken bones and shaken baby syndrome at least partly to the nation's economic situation, which puts stress on families due to the loss of jobs, difficulty paying bills, and other hardships.  In the year 2008, police in metro Las Vegas responded to nine cases of shaken baby syndrome total.  This year, they have already handled seven cases of shaken baby syndrome (from January through July).  In response to the devastating trend this year, the police department set a child abuse prevention program in motion in April.  The "Just Step Back" program is similar to prevention efforts in other states in that it partners with local hospitals to educate parents of newborns before they take their children home.  Like many other programs, the Las Vegas effort uses a video to demonstrate the dangers of shaking or abusing a baby.

If you have questions regarding shaken baby syndrome prevention or what to do if you believe a baby has been shaken, feel free to contact child abuse and child injury lawyer Chris Keane for free information and resources.  Also called abusive head trauma, shaken baby syndrome requires serious attention, and Chris Keane will work as an advocate to ensure your child receives the best medical care and other needs following a shaking injury.  For free answers to questions regarding your unique situation, contact Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS.

Relevant Link:

Fox 5 News:  Child Abuse In Vegas Rises 17 Percent

Hospital Joins Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Effort | Abusive Head Trauma Lawyer

Joining the shaken baby syndrome (now formally called abusive head trauma) prevention effort, Salem Hospital in Oregon is providing educational resources to parents of newborns to explain how frequently babies cry and how to handle the tears, thanks to a $26,500 grant from the Children's Trust Fund of Oregon.  According to the Statesman Journal online, nurses and other staff members at the hospital are distributing informational DVDs and brochures to new parents about the "Period of PURPLE Crying," a term used to describe the details of infant crying--how long it lasts, how often it occurs, the age at which it peaks, and other characteristics.  In addition to assuring parents that frequent crying is normal, the materials encourage parents to take short breaks when necessary:  they should not feel guilty for putting a crying baby down for a few minutes in order to calm their own frustrations.

These recent prevention efforts across the U.S. are springing up for a reason:  abusive head trauma can result in serious injuries.  The term abusive head trauma itself communicates the severity of the injury:  shaking a baby inflicts trauma to the head, resulting in a wide range of disabilities, sometimes permanent or even fatal.  If you think that your child may be suffering from shaken baby syndrome, seek medical care immediately.  For free answers to any questions you may have regarding how to receive the best medical care for your baby or what to do in your particular situation, contact child injury lawyer Chris Keane.  You may contact Chris Keane online or by phone at 1-888-592-KIDS.

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.

"Conscious Fathering" Class Teaches New Dads Parenting Basics, Educates Them on Shaken Baby Syndrome | CA Abusive Head Trauma Attorney

According to the King 5 news website, experts are linking the rise in instances of child abuse this year to the nation's economic state.  A class for new dads in Washington state, however, aims to lower the child abuse statistics and keep children and babies safe by educating fathers on parenting.  The class, Conscious Fathering, teaches the basics of caring for a baby such as feeding, changing diapers, and bathing, but it also focuses on teaching fathers how to take care of themselves.  Dads learn how to recognize the signs of stress and calm themselves down rather than attempting to calm their crying babies by shaking them.  Among the common signs of stress mentioned in the class are a clenched jaw, clammy skin, talking loudly or rapidly, and feeling overheated.

According to the creator of the class, Bernie Dorsey, anyone who cares and loves for children and spends any amount of time around a young child will become frustrated, and preparing fathers for the feeling of being overwhelmed and frustrated gives them more confidence and takes away some of the fears of not doing things correctly.  Dorsey says that 80% of men enter fatherhood without having any significant experience with infants, so it is important to inform fathers that it's okay to put down a crying baby in order to take care of one's own overwhelming feelings.  During the two-hour class, dads are also asked to share shaken baby prevention tips with others who will be caring for young children.

For more information on shaken baby syndrome, feel free to contact abusive head trauma and child injury attorney Chris Keane, who focuses his practice on representing injured or abused children.  If you believe that your baby or a baby you know may have suffered from shaken baby syndrome, the Keane Law Firm will send you helpful resources, free information, and provide free answers to your most important questions.

Click here to contact Chris Keane in an online form.

To contact Chris Keane by phone, call 1-888-592-KIDS (1-888-592-5437).