Displaying items by tag: abusive head trauma

Home-Sweet-Home: NCSBS New PURPLE Home Visiting Program for Families

A new expansion of the Period of PURPLE Crying® program will help more Utah families receive infant safety education and support directly in their homes through trusted home visiting programs. The initiative is designed to serve families with babies ages 0–2 by making prevention education more accessible, especially for parents who may face barriers to healthcare, transportation, childcare, or other support services.

Through home visiting services, families will receive education about normal infant crying, safe soothing techniques, coping strategies for stress and frustration, and the dangers of shaking a baby or unsafe sleep practices. Delivering this education in the home allows parents and caregivers to learn in a comfortable, familiar environment while building trusted relationships with trained professionals who can provide guidance and encouragement during the early stages of parenting.

The program first launched in Salt Lake County and is now expanding into Utah County and Southern Utah through partnerships with local health departments and nonprofit home visiting organizations such as Prevent Child Abuse Utah and Rooted Kids. We continually seek new partnerships to help us deliver this vital infant safety education. The goal is to ensure families across Utah, including those in underserved and rapidly growing communities, have equal access to life-saving infant safety education and parenting support.

By bringing prevention education directly to families where they are, the PURPLE program helps reduce barriers to care while strengthening confidence, connection, and support for parents raising young children.

Utah Funders Create Lasting Impact

Thanks to the recent support of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, the NCSBS is expanding the reach of the PURPLE Home Visiting program to serve more families with young infants across Utah. This important funding will help increase access to prevention education through home visiting and community partnerships, ensuring more parents receive trusted guidance on infant crying, safe soothing, coping with stress, and keeping babies safe.

The expansion of this growing home visiting initiative has also been made possible through the early support and shared commitment of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, and Williamsen Family Foundation. Together, these funding partners are helping bring accessible, family-centered infant safety education directly into homes and communities across Utah, strengthening support for parents and helping give babies a safer start in life.

The NCSBS is deeply grateful for the continued support we receive to expand and strengthen our prevention programs. The generosity of our funding partners allows us to reach more families, provide trusted education, and continue our mission of keeping babies safe. We are sincerely thankful for the lasting impact these partnerships make possible.

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is honored to share the personal stories of those affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma. Please take a minute to watch these short video clips and learn from a few of the countless victims and their families that have been devastated by this preventable form of abuse.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Struggle with Lives Changed Forever in an Instant

Families of victims of SBS are in a lifelong struggle after their babies are abused. Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Devastates

SBS affects more children than Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SBS is a devastating form of child abuse that leaves those babies who survive the abuse with lifelong challenges. Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Battle Immediate Fear & Infinite Worry

Families of victims of SBS deal with the immediate fear that their baby could die... and if their baby miraculously survives, fear turns to worry about how do you care for them now? Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Fight for Justice They May Never See

Justice is often slow-moving or is never seen in many cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). Families of victims of SBS are left fighting for justice in the midst of the tragedy. Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Find Love and Meaning through Tragedy

In the midst of the pain, families of victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome get a glimpse of a life that lies ahead. A life that still burns full of meaning... a life full of love. Click the Image to Play Video

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Struggle with Lives Changed Forever in an Instant - Click to Play

Shaken Baby Syndrome Devastates - Click to Play

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Battle Immediate Fear & Infinite Worry - Click to Play

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Fight for Justice They May Never See - Click to Play

Shaken Baby Syndrome Families Find Love and Meaning through Tragedy - Click to Play

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Why Become a Rooted Monthly Giver?

When you join, you’re doing more than making a donation; you are helping to equip parents and caregivers nationwide with the skills and confidence to respond safely when babies won’t stop crying. Your support makes it possible for us to deliver expert-led education in hospitals, schools, clinics, and community centers. It also ensures that families affected by SBS/AHT receive the compassionate, trauma-informed guidance and resources they need to heal.

Monthly giving provides reliable funding, which helps the NCSBS plan ahead and expand our programs where they are needed most. Even a modest monthly contribution of $5 adds up to a powerful, long-term impact. And once your gift is set up, it runs automatically, allowing you to make a difference every day without lifting a finger.

Any Additional Benefits to Rooted Monthly Giving?

Absolutely. Here are a few of additional perks for our monthly givers:

• Special monthly social media posts across our channels thanking and listing the names of our monthly givers
• Rooted Monthly givers will be featured in our Giving Times Newsletter distributed to thousands of our donors and supporters
• Feature story for any Rooted Monthly giver who wishes to be share their story of why they became a monthly giver
• First access to special events and giveaways conducted by the NCSBS
• Complimentary Blu-ray of the documentary "like, share, comment & subscribe" featuring the story of Josh Sorrels, victim of shaken baby syndrome
• Complimentary book "Claire's Voice" written by Michelle Fishpaw, mother of Claire, victim of shaken baby syndrome, about their family's experience raising a survivor of SBS/AHT

To become a Rooted Monthly giver, simply put the amount you wish to donate on a monthly basis on our donation form and check the box "Make this donation Monthly" on the form and schedule the donation for at least one year (12 times).

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Attention on Prevention podcast brings in guests to talk about the prevention of child and infant maltreatment as well as delve into other parenting issues. We'll bring in families of victims of abuse and victims themselves to discuss their stories, world experts in various medical fields to discuss current research and past experiences as well as other guests with legal and prevention backgrounds. Brought to you by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. You can find each month's episode here on our website or wherever you get your podcasts.

Twentieth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome / Abusive Head Trauma

Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza - Nashville, TN

September 22, 23, and 24, 2026

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is pleased to announce our twentieth biennial conference will be in Nashville on September 22, 23 and 24, 2026. This three-day conference brings together leading physicians, neuroscientists, child protection specialists, and legal professionals to present the latest scientific research and evidence-based practices on SBS/AHT. As misinformation continues to spread in public discourse, this trusted forum provides clarity, truth, and collaboration among the world’s foremost authorities.

Participants will explore topics on diagnosis, prevention, and family support services—gaining valuable tools and insights to strengthen their practice and impact.

This milestone event promises to be an inspiring, informative, and unforgettable gathering—we can’t wait to see you there.

Return to this page and follow our social media channels for the latest updates on the conference. Click this link to book your room at the Special Conference Room Rate.

Abstract Submission

Interested in presenting at the Twentieth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma? Join other world-renowned experts and share your latest research, policies, investigative techniques, legal expertise and prevention efforts focused on shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma.

The NCSBS is now accepting abstracts for workshop and poster presentations. The program planning committee is looking for abstracts to present from the following areas of expertise: 

• Latest medical diagnostic and treatment of SBS/AHT cases
• Investigative and legal procedures and techniques
• Evidence-based and creative SBS/AHT prevention initiatives and programs
• Support for families and rehabilitation for victims of SBS/AHT

All contact information must be included as well as a thorough biography. The abstract will need to be submitted as a separate document with a word minimum of 200 words and a maximum of 1000. The abstract file must be uploaded as a Microsoft Word or PDF document. Please note: presentations with commercial interest will not be accepted.

Accepted abstract presenters will be responsible for own travel and registration costs. Co-authors presenting must also register for the conference.

Please Read the Abstract Submission Requirements Document Before Submitting an Abstract
Abstract Submission Requirements

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Abstracts Due February 27, 2026

Any questions can be directed to the NCSBS Conference Team at (801) 447-9360 or .

Submit Your Abstract

Registration is OPEN!

2026 Registration Prices

*Requires a field of study/year and affiliations for registration
**Email  for information on registering as a group
**Requires that groups register together and pay in full as one transaction

Registration rates include access to all keynote, breakout sessions and opening reception. The NCSBS will provide two breaks per day which includes coffee and snack items. Lunch is on your own.

Register for the conference by clicking this button: REGISTER NOW

Babies and Toddlers (BaT) Baby Bootcamp for Trauma Investigators

The NCSBS in partnership with Babies and Toddlers, Inc will be hosting an investigators' bootcamp directly before the SBS/AHT conference on Monday, September 21, 2026.  This course will provide an explanation of basic terminology and medical diagnosis commonly associated with serious physical injury and death in babies and toddlers. We will explore how to approach serious assault and homicide investigations of babies and toddlers under the age of four and why the use of a detailed integrated timeline is critical. Attendees will be provided with a BaT Crib Sheet, a BaT Investigative Worksheet and other reference materials. Through a case study, attendees will learn about the significance of the presence or absence of medical findings, with a specific focus on Abusive Head Trauma and other injuries, and how to distinguish mimics from abuse in complex medical and law enforcement investigations.

Conference Loyalty Program

Don't forget that if you attended our 2022 International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome / Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) in Philadelphia and/or the 2024 conference in Salt Lake City you save up to 15% on your individual registration price. This discount cannot be combined with anyone receiving the group discount. Our Conference Attendee Loyalty Program introduced at the Philadelphia conference rewards our frequent attendees and places attendees in three tiers*:

• Ally: Earn 10% off registration fees after attending one conference
  • Use Coupon Code "AllyNash2026" in the registration form**
• Supporter: Earn 15% off after two conferences attended
  • Use Coupon Code "Supporter2026" in the registration form**
• Champion: Earn 20% off after three conferences attended

* Attendance credit began with the 2022 Philadelphia conference.
** The NCSBS will confirm eligibility for this coupon code. Anyone ineligible who uses this code will be required to pay the difference prior to attending the conference.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations 30 days or sooner before the conference will not be accepted. Cancellations more than 30 days prior to the conference are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

Email Catherine at  or call 801-447-9360 ext.112 if you have any questions about the conference.

The NCSBS recognizes that families and caregivers of victims of SBS may need additional support and services during their stay in Nashville. The Loews Vanderbilt Hotel offers multiple accessible rooms and can accommodate additional requests to help make your stay as stress free as possible. Click this link for more information about the hotel's accessibility options. 

Accessibility in Nashville

Visit Music City touts Nashville's accessibility: "In Music City, everyone belongs. From ADA-compliant accommodations and restaurants to sensory-friendly attractions and inclusive music festivals, we welcome those with mobility, auditory, visual, and sensory differences to feel at home in Nashville. Come explore a city that’s as welcoming as its music." For a guide to navigating accessibility in Nashville, please visit this link.

Presents The

Virtual Family Support Symposium

May 14, 2025

The Virtual Family Support Symposium will be held on a virtual format and will feature presentations addressing many of the issues that families of victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) face.

Registration is FREE!

Attendance for this event will be FREE to everyone who would like to participate thanks to the generosity of the Matty Eappen Foundation! Though attendance is free for all participants, registration is required in order to receive information regarding symposium updates, announcements, and Zoom instructions.

This symposium will not be offering any continuing education units (CEUs) and will program presentations that are relevant and valuable to families of victims of SBS/AHT. These presentations might include topics like processing grief, resources to navigate available resources at the state and federal level, and therapies that may be available for victims of SBS/AHT for example.

For questions about the symposium, please contact the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome:

Phone: (801) 447-9360 ext.105
Email:

Registration is Closed.

Nashville SBS/AHT Conference Approved for Nursing and Legal Continuing Education Hours

Nursing

This Nursing Continuing Professional Development activity was approved by Pennsylvania State Nurses Association Approver Unit, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

(Approval 081-26)

15.5 continuing education contact hours available

Legal

The International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma has been approved by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education for 

15.5 General Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit hours.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to advance your professional development and stay informed on current research and topics on SBS/AHT while earning credits that contribute to your continuing education requirements.

Click this button to register for the conference.  Register for the Conference