Shaken Baby Syndrome

Introduction

Shaken Baby Syndrome (also referred to as Abusive Head Trauma) is a severe form of child abuse. Parents or caregivers who are frustrated or angry at a baby who persists in crying can shake the baby to the point of injury and death.

According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, 1,300 cases are reported in the US every year. Of those cases, 25% of the infants die. In addition, 80% suffer long-term disabilities. https://www.dontshake.org/learn-more/itemlist/category/13-facts-info

Nurses are mandated reporters of any suspicious child abuse or neglect. All states require nurses to recognize, and report suspected child abuse, maltreatment and neglect. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) and Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) are listed as a form of child abuse in the states. The reporting includes reporting suspicious signs and behavior, including a child saying he or she has been abused.

Currently, four states require nurses to complete continuing education courses in child abuse and/or Abusive Head Trauma and/or Shaken Baby Syndrome, and reporting requirements as a condition for license renewal: Iowa, Kentucky, New York, and Pennsylvania. These states and others are used as examples of definitions and requirements. RnCeus Interactive also has available a complete course on child abuse that includes AHT.

Now 34 states are accepted into a compact agreement or having pending legislation on a compact agreement. Wherever a nurse is employed, not only where his or her license is renewed, reporting child abuse is required.

Federal and state child abuse definitions

Federal and state governments have a responsibility to protect children when parents fail to provide proper care. Specific definitions of abuse and neglect with civil and criminal statutes are found in individual state standards. These federal and state definitions of child abuse and neglect refer to children under 18 years of age.

The S. 2961, Victims of Child Abuse Act Reauthorization Act of 2018 now includes immunity from both civil and criminal liability (previously only prosecution) for anyone who makes a good faith child abuse or neglect report, or provide information or assistance to a report, or legal intervention (GWIG, 2019).
https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2018-09/s2961.pdf

The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 USCA § 5106g), as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum:

Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical
or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation;
or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/fastfact.html

This course includes a general overview of child abuse with a focus on abusive head trauma which will include signs and symptoms, causes, long term effects, knowledge of laws, preventive measures, parent education and responsibilities of nurses.

References

Child Welfare Information Gateway (GWIG). (2019). About CAPTA: A legislative history. Washington, DC: US Department of
Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2019). Definitions
of child abuse and neglect. Washington, DC: US.
Department of Health and Human Services, Children's
Bureau