This is the beautiful girl who passed away on January 24th, 2009. Click her picture to see her obituary, which contains some of her story. She was an inspiration to many and is sorely missed by her family and friends.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Taylor Nicole Pinkas Rogers
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Mom gets only 8 years for shaking her baby!!!
Mom gets 8 years for shaken baby | Cincinnati Enquirer | Cincinnati.Com
Halloran Carr will spend the next eight years in prison because of the life sentence she imposed on her 3-month-old daughter in a 2007 shaken-baby incident. Carr, 25, of Colerain Township, was convicted by a jury last month of child endangering after violently shaking Destiny Concepcion, her 3-month-old daughter, in a November 2007 incident that left the child blind and developmentally stunted with little hope of having any quality of life. Carr begged for forgiveness, saying she was as much a victim as her daughter. “I’ve lost everything. I’ve lost my kids. I’ve lost my family,” she said. She then lost her freedom when a stern Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge William Mallory noted she lost nothing compared to what the child lost. “I cry for Destiny,” Mallory told Carr in an emotional hearing Thursday. “She does not have a chance at life. … I will spend the rest of my life thinking about her and crying for her.”
Mallory imposed the maximum prison sentence of eight years after Carr refused to accept responsibility for the child’s injury, claiming the baby’s father shook the child and Carr’s horrible childhood left her unprepared to be a good mother, especially to a premature baby like Destiny.
Carr was frustrated by the child’s crying during the incident and shook her so violently that the child’s skull was fractured. She then waited 10 hours to get the child medical care while lying to police, telling them the child was injured as Carr held her and fell.
The girl now is 17 months old but has the development of a 3-month-old infant. She has cerebral palsy, is blind, can’t eat solid food, move her neck or sit up. She never will be able to walk or talk and needs splints to keep her limbs straight to prevent her body from curling into a permanent ball shape.
The child has four to six doctor appointments per month with several doctors in several specialties. Those will be required for life.
She still could die from her injuries.
“She has no quality of life, judge,” Assistant Prosecutor Jocelyn Chess told Mallory. “She will never be normal.”
Carr’s mother – Destiny’s grandmother – wept during the hearing and asked the judge to have mercy on her daughter, ending her comments by telling Mallory she even voted for him.
“You voted for me to do my job and I’m going to do it,” the judge replied.
Carr had two other children. One is in foster care; the other died.
The same jury could not reach a verdict on a felonious assault charge against Carr in the case.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The reality...
A little girl who was shaken almost 10 years ago died today. She has fought SO HARD for her life. She has been sick since she was 2 1/2 months old. She never walked. She never spoke. She didn't go to school or have friends. She never tasted a warm, straight-from-the-oven cookie. She has suffered for almost her ENTIRE LIFE, which lasted less than 10 years. She has been in and out of the hospital more times than you or I can even imagine. My heart breaks for her family...I justkeep thinking "It's not FAIR!!!!!" It's not fair. Why does this happen? How could someone do this to a child?? How could you look into the face of your crying baby and HURT them? Children are people! We were ALL babies once. Every single one of us. Barack Obama's mom used to wipe his butt and suction snot out of his nose. Julia Roberts kept her mom up at night when she was an infant. I probably drove my mom crazy. You drove yours crazy. I slept on the couch for 4 months with my son when he was born because he wouldn't sleep on his back in the crib. That's parenting! It's frustrating, it's tiring. My family was NO HELP! My husband did NOTHING for our son. You just have to DEAL. Deal! Figure out how to deal. Don't shake your children! It sounds smiple because it IS simple! DON'T SHAKE BABIES!!! Ariana
Friday, January 16, 2009
What Is Shaken Baby Syndrome
By Vanessa Rasmussen, © 2004, All rights reserved. Website: http://www.startingadaycarecenter.com Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is often known as abusive head trauma, shaken brain trauma, pediatric traumatic brain injury, whiplash shaken infant syndrome and shaken impact syndrome. Shaken Baby Syndrome is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States. It is caused by vigorous shaking of an infant or young child by the arms, legs, chest or shoulders. In some cases, the shaking is accompanied by a final impact to the baby's head against a bed, chair, or other surface. Forceful shaking can result in brain damage leading to mental retardation, speech and learning disabilities, paralysis, seizures, hearing loss and even death. It may cause bleeding around the brain and eyes, resulting in blindness. The degree of brain damage depends on the amount and duration of the shaking and the forces involved in impact of the head. When a baby is vigorously shaken, the head moves back and forth. This sudden whiplash motion can cause bleeding inside the head and increased pressure on the brain, causing the brain to pull apart and resulting in injury to the baby. A baby's head and neck are especially vulnerable to injury as the head is large and the neck muscles are still weak. In addition, the baby's brain and blood vessels are very fragile and easily damaged by motions, such as shaking, jerking and jolting. SBS occurs most frequently in infants younger than six months old. The number one reason a baby is shaken is because the child just won't stop crying. Often frustrated parents or other persons responsible for a child's care feel that shaking a baby is a safe way to make a child stop crying. Almost 25 percent of all babies with SBS die. Those who do survive suffer from disorders ranging from mild learning disabilities and behavioral changes to moderate and severe repercussions, such as profound mental and developmental retardation, paralysis, blindness, inability to eat or a permanent vegetative state. It is estimated that 25-50 percent of parents and caretakers aren't aware of the effects of shaking a baby. Parents should receive information about shaken baby syndrome prevention in the hospital and/or at their child's two-month immunization appointment. Pediatricians and nurses should talk to parents about their level of stress and how they respond to a crying infant who can not be readily calmed. Parents and other care providers need assurance that allowing a baby to cry is okay if all their needs have been met. Guidance can be given to let parents know that a crying infant should never be shaken and what to do when their frustration is overwhelming. Child caregivers, teenage baby sitters, day care center staff and respite workers should be warned of the dangers of shaking a child. All child care providers should be screened by the parent to determine the potential caregiver's ability to understand infant behavior and how he or she might handle stressful situations, such as incessant crying. Social service agencies, state and national agencies and hospitals need to educate the public about the dangers of SBS. Normal interaction and playing with a child, like bouncing the baby on a knee, tossing the baby in the air (slight danger exists as in the possibility of dropping the baby), riding in a backpack while the parent jogs or bike rides will not cause SBS, although it is important never to shake a baby under any circumstances because gentle shaking can rapidly escalate. Remember a crying baby is not a reflection on your parenting skills and doesn't make you a bad parent. Copyright 2001, 2004. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of this article in whole or in part without written or verbal permission is strictly prohibited. For information about reprinting this article, contact the copyright owner: Vanessa Rasmussen, Ph.D, Starting a Day Care Center, http://www.startingadaycarecenter.com.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME
In the past few years, a newly recognized injury to children has been identified. This injury is Shaken Baby Syndrome or "SBS". Shaken Baby Syndrome is a serious injury and the results can be devastating. This Shaken Baby Syndrome website is sponsored by The Epilepsy Association of Central Florida, Inc. and this is our way of educating the public regarding this syndrome as well as provide support for the victims’ families. You will find a lot of shaken baby syndrome statistics and information as well as ways of coping with a crying baby and information on how to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome. We can all get involved in stopping this destructive injury. An estimated 1,200 to 1,400 cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) occur each year in the United States. Only 1 out of 4 babies dies of Shaken Baby Syndrome. HOWEVER, the other three babies will need ongoing medical attention for the rest of their short lifespans. Please join our quest of educating the general public of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Click here to see how you can get involved. or contact us directly.
Shaken Baby Syndrome Statistics One shaken baby in four dies. Some studies estimate that 15% of children's deaths are due to battering or shaking, and an additional 15% are possible cases of shaking. Of the 37 children that died in Florida in 1995-96 13 died from a combination of Shaken Baby Syndrome/ Head Trauma. Of the thousands that survive death, serious injury usually occurs. "SBS" victims range in age from a few days to a few months old; the average is six months. More than 60% of the victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome are male. Almost 80% of the perpetrators of Shaken Baby Syndrome are male These Shaken Baby Syndrome Statistics are scarry, at best. Please help us spread the word about Shaken Baby Syndrome. Coping with Crying Baby / Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome An infant may spend 2 to 3 hours a day crying 20%-30% of infants exceed that amount of time. A caregiver momentarily succumbs to the frustration of responding to a crying baby by shaking. Caregivers may be inadequately prepared for children. They may be under stress and cannot deal with the frustrations of parenting. The caregiver personalizes the infants crying as inadequate care-giving. "Shaken Baby Syndrome" usually happens when a caregiver is angry and looses control. Ways To Soothe A Crying Baby Take the baby for a walk outside in a stroller or for a ride in the car seat. Hold the baby against your chest and gently massage the baby. Rock, walk, or dance with the baby. Be patient; take a deep breath and count to ten. Call a friend or relative that you can trust to take over for a while, then get away, get some rest, take care of yourself. Offer a pacifier. Lower any surrounding noise and lights. Offer the baby a noisy toy; shake or rattle it. Hold the baby and breathe slowly and calmly; the baby may feel your calmness and become quiet. Sing or talk to the baby using soothing tones. Record a sound, like a vacuum cleaner, or hair dryer.
What is SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME? Most of the time, Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs when adults, frustrated and angry with children, shake them violently. If you are a parent, or ever care for a baby, it is important to know the dangers of shaking. You also need to tell everyone who cares for your baby, that it is NEVER okay to shake the baby. Why Is Shaking a Baby A Danger? A babies neck is too weak to support their heavy head. Consequently, when shaken, their head flops back and forth, causing serious brain injury. A baby's brain and the blood vessels connecting the skull to the brain are fragile and immature. Therefore, when a baby is shaken, the brain ricochets about their skull, causing the blood vessels to tear away and blood to pool inside their skull causing irreparable damage to the brain. Shaken Baby Syndrome is: A serious brain injury. Occurs when a baby is violently shaken. Occurs when a baby is slammed against a hard object. Shaking usually is done out of anger or frustration. Shaking must be of such force that an independent observer would recognize the act as dangerous. Shaken Baby Syndrome mostly occurs when a child receives numerous rapid shakes; head impact is not necessary, but does frequently occur.
SBS Bill
Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007 (Introduced in Senate) S 1204 IS 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1204 To enhance Federal efforts focused on public awareness and education about the risks and dangers associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 25, 2007 Mr. DODD introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions A BILL To enhance Federal efforts focused on public awareness and education about the risks and dangers associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the `Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007'. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Shaken Baby Syndrome is a term used to describe the constellation of symptoms, trauma, and medical conditions resulting from the violent shaking, or abusive impact to the head, of an infant, toddler or other young child. (2) Shaken Baby Syndrome is a form of child abuse affecting between 1,200 and 1,600 children every year. (3) Children who are age 1 or younger accounted for 41.9 percent of all child abuse and neglect fatalities in 2005, and children who are age 4 or younger accounted for 76.6 percent of all child abuse and neglect facilities in 2005. (4) The most recent National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System figures reveal that almost 900,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect in the United States in 2005. That abuse and neglect caused unspeakable pain and suffering to the Nation's most vulnerable citizens. (5) It is estimated that between one-quarter and one-third of Shaken Baby Syndrome victims die as a result of their injuries, while one-third suffer permanent, severe disabilities including paralysis, seizures, loss of hearing or vision, cognitive impairments, and other disabilities, often resulting in a lifetime of extraordinary medical, educational, and care expenses. (6) Shaken Baby Syndrome is preventable. Prevention programs have demonstrated that educating new parents and other caregivers about the danger of shaking young children, healthy strategies for coping with infant crying, infant soothing skills, and how to protect children from injury can bring about a significant reduction in the number of cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome. (7) Efforts to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome are supported by child welfare and advocacy groups across the United States, including many groups formed by parents and relatives of children who have been killed or injured by the syndrome. (8) Education programs have been shown to raise awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome and provide critically important information about the syndrome to caregivers, day care workers, child protection employees, law enforcement personnel, health care providers, and legal representatives. (9) Education programs can give parents healthy strategies for dealing with a crying infant and change the knowledge and behavior of parents of young children. SEC. 3. PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPAIGN. (a) In General- (1) DEVELOPMENT- The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this Act as the `Secretary'), acting through the Director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the Director of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Director of the Office of Child Abuse and Neglect in the Administration for Children and Families, shall develop an effective national Shaken Baby Syndrome public health campaign. (2) INFORMATION- The public health campaign shall inform the general public, and new parents, child care providers and other caregivers of young children, health care providers, and social workers, among others, about brain injuries and other harmful effects that may result from shaking, or abusive impact to the head, of infants and children under age 5, and healthy strategies to cope with a crying infant and related frustrations, in order to help protect children from injury. (3) COORDINATION- In carrying out the public health campaign, the Secretary shall also coordinate activities with providers of other support services to parents and other caregivers of young children. (b) Activities- (1) IN GENERAL- In carrying out the public health campaign, the Secretary shall carry out the activities described in paragraphs (2) through (4). (2) NATIONAL ACTION PLAN AND STRATEGIES- The Secretary shall-- (A) develop a National Action Plan and effective strategies to increase awareness of opportunities to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome through activities that comprehensively and systematically provide information and instruction about healthy strategies for parents and other caregivers concerning how to cope with a crying infant and related frustrations; and (B) coordinate the Plan and effective strategies with evidence-based strategies and efforts that support families with infants and other young children, such as home visiting programs and respite child care efforts, which have a role to play in prevention of the syndrome. (3) COMMUNICATION, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING- The Secretary shall carry out communication, education, and training about Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, including efforts to communicate with the general public by-- (A) disseminating effective prevention practices and techniques to parents and caregivers through maternity hospitals, child care centers, organizations providing prenatal and postnatal care, organizations providing programs for fathers, and organizations providing parenting education and support services; (B)(i) producing evidence-based educational and informational materials in print, audio, video, electronic, and other media, giving special attention to educating young men and English language learners through the materials; and (ii) coordinating activities carried out under clause (i) with national and Federal awareness activities, such as the activities accompanying Shaken Baby Awareness Week, to the extent possible; (C) carrying out Shaken Baby Syndrome training, which shall aim-- (i) to ensure that primary care providers, home visitors, parent educators, child care providers, foster parents and others involved in the care of young children, and nurses, physicians, and other health care providers, are aware of ways to prevent abusive head trauma and other forms of child maltreatment, and the need to secure immediate medical attention in cases of head trauma; and (ii) to provide health care providers and early childhood educators with the knowledge, skills, and materials to simply, quickly, and effectively educate parents, including adoptive and foster parents, as well as others who are caregivers of young children, about infant crying and thus reduce abuse. (4) SUPPORTS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS- (A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, in consultation with the Shaken Baby Awareness Advisory Council, shall work to ensure that the parents and caregivers of children are connected to effective supports through the coordination of existing programs and networks or the establishment of new programs. (B) SUPPORTS- To the extent practicable, the supports provided under this paragraph shall include the provision of a 24-hour phone hotline, and the development of an Internet website for round-the-clock support, for-- (i) parents and caregivers who struggle with infant crying and related concerns; (ii) parents and caregivers of surviving children who suffer serious injuries as a result of shaking or an abusive impact to the head, as a young child; and (iii) parents and family members of children who do not survive such shaking or abusive impact. (c) Shaken Baby Awareness Advisory Council- (1) ESTABLISHMENT- There is established a Shaken Baby Awareness Advisory Council (referred to in this subsection as the `Council'). (2) MEMBERSHIP- The Council shall be composed of members appointed by the Secretary, not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, including, to the maximum extent possible, representatives from-- (A) Shaken Baby Awareness advocacy organizations, including groups formed by parents and relatives of victims; (B) child protection advocacy organizations; (C) organizations involved in child protection and child maltreatment prevention; (D) disability advocacy organizations; (E) pediatric medical associations; (F) psychologists, child development professionals, or family studies professionals; (G) professional associations or institutions involved in medical research related to abusive head trauma; (H) academic institutions; (I) parenting support organizations, including those providing programs targeted towards fathers; (J) organizations who come in contact with families and caregivers of infants, toddlers, and other young children; and (K) other Federal and State agencies involved in child abuse prevention activities. (3) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT; VACANCIES- (A) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT- The Secretary shall, after consultation with the members of the Council initially appointed by the Secretary under paragraph (2), determine and establish the term of service on the Council that shall apply to all current and future members. (B) VACANCIES- Any vacancy in the Council shall not affect the powers of the Council, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. (4) DUTIES- The Council shall meet at least semi-annually-- (A) to develop recommendations regarding the National Action Plan and effective strategies described in subsection (b)(2); and (B) to develop recommendations related to support services for families and caregivers of young children. (5) PERSONNEL- (A) TRAVEL EXPENSES- The members of the Council shall not receive compensation for the performance of services for the Council, but shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Council. Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary may accept the voluntary and uncompensated services of members of the Council. (B) DETAIL OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES- Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Council without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. (6) TERMINATION OF COMMITTEE- Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Council. The Secretary shall terminate the Council when the Secretary determines, after consultation with the Council, that it is no longer necessary to pursue the goals and carry out the activities of the Council. SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Urge your elected officals to support S.1204 and H.R.2052
Help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome(please visit site and help pass this)
The U.S. Congress is considering a bill that would establish a national public health campaign to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome. Ask your elected officials to support this important legislation!
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a form of child abuse that results from violently shaking an infant or from abusive impact to an infant's head. Between 1,200 and 1,600 of the nation's children suffer from SBS each year. Congressional findings estimate that between one-quarter and one-third of SBS victims die as a result of their injuries, while one-third suffer permanent and severe disabilities, including traumatic brain injury, paralysis, seizures and loss of hearing or vision.
To protect the nation's most vulnerable citizens from such tragic and preventable maltreatment, the U.S. Congress has introduced the Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007 (S. 1204 and H.R. 2052). Introduced by Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY), the bill enables the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a national public health campaign on SBS prevention. Specifically, the campaign would inform the general public, new parents, child care providers, health care providers and social workers about the risks and dangers associated with SBS. The bill would also ensure that parents and caregivers of surviving and deceased SBS victims, as well as those who struggle to cope with infant crying, are provided education and training about SBS prevention, as well as around-the-clock support via a 24-hour telephone hotline and an Internet website.
To effectively address this issue and protect babies from SBS, passage of S. 1204 and H.R. 2052 is critical. Please support this important initiative for the welfare of the nation's infants and their caregivers!
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