Displaying items by tag: conference

Sixteenth International Conference

The Sixteenth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome was another tremendous conference. This bi-annual event was held in Orlando, Florida on September 16, 17, 18, 2018 at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. With over 60 sessions, this conference focused on the latest medical diagnostic innovations, investigative and legal procedures and techniques, evidence-based and creative SBS/AHT prevention programs and support for victim families.

The conference started with an extremely educational presentation by Dr. Andrew Baker, “Detection, Documentation, and Interpretation of Fractures in the Deceased Infant and Small Child: The Autopsy Perspective. This presentation provided useful guidelines to utilize radiographical skeletal surveys in pediatric autopsies. The conference concluded with a presentation from physicians, Dr. Stephen Boos and Dr. Daniel Lindberg, and prosecutors, Erica Kallin and Matthew Torbenson. The panel provided a close examination of the common diagnoses discussed in the court system to dispute AHT symptoms and injuries by featuring a mock trial with expert testimony highlighting important dos and don’ts as well as useful cross examination techniques.

In addition to the superb line-up of workshop presentations, the conference featured the always popular Basics Track for legal professionals. A majority of these sessions were recorded and will be available for future viewing through the NCSBS online training modules at training.dontshake.org.

International Symposium on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma

After nearly twenty years, the NCSBS had the privilege to lead a training opportunity in Australia. The International Symposium on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma was hosted jointly by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome and the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (SCHN) and was sponsored by Prevention and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect (PARVAN) Unit, a department of the NSW Ministry of Health. 

Nearly 350 professionals came together from a multitude of disciplines including: pathology, pediatrics, nursing, social work, law enforcement, rehabilitation and many more. Experts from numerous countries around the world shared their latest research and experiences.

The Symposium began with a poignant welcome from Dr. Kim Oates, a leader in the medical field in Australia. The first session of the day brought presenters from three countries together as they discussed their publish research on the financial burden an SBS/AHT case can have on society and how these figures can be used to advocate for prevention.  One of the most talked about sessions was Dr. Carole Jenny’s (Seattle, Washington) discussing how biomechanics can affect the field’s view on SBS/AHT.  Dr. Arabinda Choudhary (Little Rock, Arkansas) share his groundbreaking work in utilizing an array of imaging techniques to diagnosis Abusive Head Trauma cases. To end this successful event, Mr. Andrew Waterman, Detective Chief Inspector (Sydney, Australia), discussed his investigative experiences with suspected cases of Abusive Head Trauma. 

The Symposium was a huge success and the NCSBS and SCHN hope to have the opportunity to bring the event back to the region much sooner again!

Eighteenth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma

The Eighteenth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma was held on October 23, 24, 25, 2022 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. It was extremely well-attended, with more than 400 people participating in over 60 sessions focusing on family/victim support, investigative techniques, legal and trial experiences, prevention programs from around the world, the latest research from experts in the field, and shared experiences from parents and survivors.

We were honored to have the conference kick off with a presentation by Dr. Hank Puls, “The Rates of AHT During COVID-19.”

Some of the other highlights of the 3-day event included:

• Dr. Mary Case being presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. The award was presented by Dr. Lucy Roarke-Adams. Dr. Case has spent her career as a forensic pathologist speaking for child victims of abuse and as an expert witness for shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma.
• Our “Ask The Experts” panel was facilitated by Dr. Randall Alexander, Dr. Lori Frasier, Tom Fallon (JD), and Joelle Moreno (JD). The discussion was vibrant and informative.
• The premier of “A Survivor’s Story” featuring Josh Sorrels, filmed by Christopher Baier, relating the story of adult Josh discovering he is a victim of shaken baby syndrome.
• A powerful and moving presentation by Sameer Sabir, “Justice for Rehma,” as he discussed the loss of his daughter to this devastating form of abuse and the judicial process that victimized the family further.

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is indebted to the willing experts who presented at the conference, shared years of experience, research, and knowledge, and to the brave families and victims who shared their heartbreaking stories. Our next conference is scheduled in 2024. The location will be announced in Spring 2023.

Eighteenth International Conference on SBS/AHT  
October 23, 24 and 25, 2022

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is excited to announce our Eighteenth International Conference on SBS/AHT to be held at the beautiful Loews Philadelphia Hotel on October 23, 24 and 25, 2022! The conference will bring the latest medical diagnostic innovations, investigative and legal procedures and techniques, evidence-based and creative SBS/AHT prevention programs and support for victim families.

Registration Now Open

2022 Registration Prices

 *Groups must receive a group code prior to registering. Please contact conference administrators at . or (801) 447-9360 for more information on group rates.

Late Fee: We highly recommend registering for the conference by September 23, 2022. Starting September 24th a $50 late fee will be incurred.

Conference COVID Policy: The Eighteenth International Conference on SBS/AHT will observe CDC and local Philadelphia guidelines.

Register for the Conference

Babies and Toddlers Baby Bootcamp

The NCSBS in partnership with Babies and Toddlers, Inc will be hosting a three-hour bootcamp directly following the Eighteenth International Conference on SBS/AHT on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 from 1pm-4pm. Babies and Toddlers Baby Bootcamp offers specific, practical investigative and courtroom training for any law enforcement or legal professional involved in these complex cases. An agenda and more details will be available soon. You can register for the Bootcamp as a stand-alone event or you can register for the Bootcamp together with the SBS/AHT conference at a discounted rate. We are now featuring a live streaming option for those who are unable to physically attend the conference and bootcamp.

Cost if registering for the Bootcamp only: $150

Cost if also registered for the NCSBS Conference: $125

Cost if registering for the Bootcamp Live Streaming Option: $125

Register for the Bootcamp

Loews Philadelphia Hotel

12 South 12th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

The Eighteenth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma will be held at the extraordinary Loews Philadelphia. The Loews is conveniently located in the heart of city next to the Reading Terminal, one of the country’s oldest and largest public markets. You’ll find everything you need to meet your food cravings!

From 30th Street Station, it is possible to transfer to a regional SEPTA train that goes to the Jefferson Station, which is across the street from the hotel.

There are no more rooms available for booking at the Loews Philadelphia hotel. However, there are several hotels near the Loews where rooms should still be available.

The NCSBS recognizes that families and caregivers of victims of SBS may need additional support and services during their stay in Philadelphia. The Loews Philadelphia Hotel offers multiple accessible rooms and can accommodate additional requests to help make your stay as stress free as possible. For a guide to navigating accessibility in Philadelphia, please visit this link.

Family Reception

After the devastating injury or death of a child due to shaking, families and friends experience overwhelming grief and frustration. This conference provides an opportunity for families to connect with others to create a network of support. The NCSBS would like to invite all families to attend a gathering to honor the children and families affected by SBS/AHT. Light refreshments will be served and this event is open to all conference participants.  Family reception is Monday, October 24th, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Financial Support

Limited funding is available this year to provide scholarships to families of victims of SBS/AHT. Families who have not attended an SBS/AHT Conference in the past or who have not received a scholarship from the NCSBS will be given priority. These funds shall be used exclusively towards hotel and travel costs. This assistance will be awarded in amounts up to $750. Funds will be reimbursed upon arrival at the conference with copies of all applicable receipts. To apply for the scholarship, please fill out the application found below. A committee will review all applications award based on financial need and desired outcomes of conference attendance.

All applications must be emailed to the address below no later than September 30, 2022. Applying for scholarships does not guarantee you will receive assistance.

Download the Scholarship Application and fill in the requested fields. Please contact Danielle Vazquez at  with any questions.

Virtual Family Support Symposium 
May 17, 2023

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 face.

Registration is FREE!

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

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

Phone: (801) 447-9360 ext.11

Email: .

Register

The Babies and Toddlers (BaT) Trauma Investigations Bootcamp that immediately follows the NCSBS's Eighteenth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma now features a live streaming option for those who will be unable to physically attend the conference and bootcamp in Philadelphia. The BaT bootcamp offers specific, practical investigative and courtroom training for any law enforcement or legal professional involved in these complex cases. The cost for the live streaming option is $125. Register for the conference and/or the BaT bootcamp at: https://dontshake.org/2022-philadelphia