Displaying items by tag: sbs
PURPLE® Home Visiting Program
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.
Watch the Stories Unfold
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.
Rooted Monthly Giving
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).
Attention on Prevention
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.
2026 Nashville
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.
2026 Resources for Families
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.
2025 Virtual Family Symposium
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 Conference Approved for Nursing and Legal Continuing Education
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
Book Your Newly Renovated Room for the Nashville Conference
Reserve Your Room for the Nashville Conference at a Substantial Discount:
The Loews Vanderbilt Hotel, our venue for the Twentieth International Conference on SBS/AHT, recently announced some exciting renovations and improved features, which are are on track to be completed this August. The hotel features a newly renovated lobby with a brand new 24-hour marketplace, Nashville's most technologically advanced hotel gym and a new dining area, bar and lounge.
The minimum check-in date is September 20, 2026 and the maximum check-out date is September 25, 2026. if you have any special requests such as ADA rooms, roll aways, special pillows, etc. please book your room dates and follow up with a call to hotel reservations at 800-235-6397 with any additional requests.
You can book a newly renovated Deluxe or Luxury room at a deeply discounted rate. Special Conference Room Rate: $269 per night, plus applicable taxes and fees. Room block closes August 26, 2026, so reserve your room today.
Click Here to Reserve Your Room
For more information about the Twentieth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma in Nashville, Tennessee, CLICK THIS LINK.
Visit our NEW Online Training Site
Visit our NEW Updated Online Training Site.
The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) recently launched our updated training site where users can take online trainings related to:
- The Period of PURPLE Crying
- Childcare Providers Licensing Requirements
- School-Based Curriculum
- Legal Trainings
- Neuropathological Training
The updated training site is more easily navigated, has a cleaner user interface and functions at higher speeds. Visit the website by clicking the "Training" tab in the menu above or going to this link: https://training.dontshake.org/
Medical Consensus
-
General Consensus
In May 2018, The Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR), American Society of Pediatric Neuroradiology (ASPNR), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), European Society of Neuroradiology (ESNR), American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), Swedish Paediatric Society, Norwegian Pediatric Association and Japanese Pediatric Society published a joint consensus statement on abusive head trauma/shaken baby syndrome. This is the most comprehensive and complete consensus statement published to date. The statement is published in Pediatric Radiology.
American Academy of Pediatrics
The AAP's Abusive Head Trauma in Infants and Children: Technical Report provides a thorough review of the evidence-based literature around AHT. Additionally, the AAP's Technical Report describes the incidence of AHT, risk factors for AHT, and details the thorough clinical evaluation of a victim who presents with suspected AHT.The American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Shaken Baby Syndrome (also known as Shaken Impact Syndrome) is a serious form of abuse inflicted upon a child. It usually occurs when a parent or other caregiver shakes a baby out of anger or frustration, often because the baby will not stop crying.Canadian Joint Statement on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma
Shaken Baby Syndrome is a collection of findings, all of which may not be present in any individual child with the condition. Injuries that characterize Shaken Baby Syndrome are intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in and around the brain); retinal hemorrhage (bleeding in the retina of the eye); and fractures of the ribs and at the ends of the long bones.The American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology participated in the production of the AAP's Abusive Head Trauma in Infants and Children: Technical Report and have staff recognized as authors and liaisons on the final report.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Abusive head trauma (AHT), which includes shaken baby syndrome, is a preventable and severe form of physical child abuse that results in an injury to the brain of an infant or child. AHT is most common in children under age five, with children under one year of age at most risk. It is caused by violent shaking or blunt impact.The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
A child suspected of abusive head injury is referred by paediatricians to an ophthalmologist for evaluation. The incidence of abusive head injury in children is highest in infancy and less frequently seen in children over 3 years of age. Retinal haemorrhages have a high positive predictive rate for abusive head injury.French Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
SBS is a type of inflicted, non-accidental or abusive head injury caused by shaking (either alone or combined with an impact). It mainly occurs in babies under the age of one. It is thought that 180 to 200 children per year are victims of this type of abuse in France, although this value is certainly an underestimate. Failure to diagnose SBS increases the likelihood of recurrence.American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Shaken baby syndrome (SBS), also known as non-accidental trauma (NAT) , is a diagnosis that may include a combination of findings including broken long bones such as arms or legs, skull fractures, brain bleeding and retinal hemorrhages. SBS occurs when a baby is shaken repeatedly, often by a frustrated caretaker in an effort to quiet an inconsolable baby. The eyes are examined in suspected cases of SBS as part of an overall examination of a child when abuse is suspected. Permanent damage to vision can also occur as a result of direct injury to the eye or the brain. Damage to the brain is the main reason for poor vision.
Research
-
Articles Everyone Should Know
These are some of the most relevant research articles about Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma that will aid a lay person wanting to learn more about this form of child abuse.
Recent Research
The list below contains the most recent research relevant to SBS/AHT published during the past few years. The list cites the article’s title, author(s), title of the periodical or book, publication date and a link to the abstract or full article (if available).
State Specific Legislation
-
Please click on a state to see the legislation related to shaken baby syndrome specific to that state.
FAQ
Attention on Prevention Podcast
-
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.
Donate