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About Us
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OUR MISSION
To promote public awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome,
advocate justice for the victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome,
and provide support, guidance, understanding and
compassion for the families of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
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National Shaken
Baby Coalition
652 Frederick St.
Edwardsville, IL
62025-1223
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Current Board Members
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Debbie Dycus, Cofounder/Illinois, Secretary/Treasurer
Denise Isings, Cofounder/Washington State & Arizona, Vice President
Michele Poole, Cofounder/Florida
Janet Simmons, Cofounder/Illinois, President
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SBS Organizations
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The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome
The Children of SBS
The Skipper Initiative
The Kierra Harrison Foundation for Child Safety
Shaken Baby Prevention
Shaken Baby Association
The Shaken Baby Alliance
Don't Shake Jake
Project COPE
Matty Eappen Foundation
Reagan's Rescue Fund
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Facts about SBS!!!
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An Ohio study found that more than half of all SBS perpetrators were never charged.
When charged, they plea bargained or served minimal sentences. Underlying problem
is the publics' denial that anyone would shake a baby so violently to cause such
injuries.
Professionals simply are not educated on SBS. Investigation, diagnosis and prosecution are inadequate.
Key Questions:
When did the injury actually occur?
Who had access to the child during that window of time?
Witnesses are rare.
Many times if it is a family member, i.e., the father, sentencing can be light to heavy
depending on the other family members positions. Many wish for the father to be
sentenced to community service, so he can work and help pay for the support and
hospital insurance of the victim. However, in the case of a daycare provider, the
sentencing is stiffer, but in many cases reduced on appeal, or by the presiding judge.
Victim family members want the perpetrators to admit to what they did and show
remorse.
Sentencing guidelines should be in place.
Specialized training is needed for EMS staff, medical examiners, police, prosecutors
and hospital staff.
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Costs Associated with SBS |
Other Facts about SBS
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The initial costs of hospitalization can easily be over $150,000.
The Texas Brain Injury Association estimates that permanent brain
injury costs could well reach $3 million dollars for a lifetime of care.
The abusers rarely pay any of these costs.
Victim families, taxpayers and insurance companies are responsible for these;
rehabilitation, medical, special education and living expenses.
Children who continue receiving medical treatment and in-home
nursing are typically at a cost of about $180,000 a year.
Some experts believe the costs could be as much as $15 million over a lifetime.
The Florida Department of Corrections' 1998-99 annual report states that the
average annual cost per inmate is $18,604.00.
This figure does not include the cost of prison construction,
the cost of investigating the crime, prosecuting and defending the perpetrator.
These costs are paid by our TAX DOLLARS.
Resources:
Family Village
The Shaken Baby Alliance
Nat'l Information, Support & Referral Service on SBS
The Family Source of Florida 1999
Texas Brain Injury Association
Florida Department of Corrections 1998-99 Annual Report
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50% to 75% of adults and teenagers do not know that shaking a baby could be dangerous.
The number of shaken baby survivors has not been documented.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that abuse and neglect annually kill 5.4 out of every 100,000 children under age four. CDC also estimates that misclassification of childhood deaths probably means that this figure should be 11.6 out of every 100,000….more than the country's overall murder rate of 10 per 100,000.
At least 2000 children die from abuse or neglect each year and another 18,000 are left permanently disabled. Most are under the age of four. Shaken baby syndrome accounts for an estimated 10-12% of all deaths due to abuse or neglect. Approximately ¼ of all children inflicted with SBS die and 41% of SBS victims are under the age of one.
Experts say 1,000-1,500 cases of SBS occur each year in the United States, but the true number of cases is unknown because of misdiagnoses and underreporting.
A baby can fall 3 stories and not get as seriously injured as a shaken baby.
When a child is shaken in anger and frustration, the force is multiplied 5-10 times more than it would be if the child had simply tripped or fallen.
If a baby has been shaken, it is important that it be taken to the hospital right away. Tell the doctor the baby was shaken so proper medical attention may be given.
37 Florida Children Died From
Physical Abuse in 1995-1996
19% Shaken Baby Syndrome
16% Abusive Head Trauma
16% Suffocation/Strangulation
14% Severe Beating
14% Gunshot
13% Other
5% Poisoning
3% Drowning
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