S. 1204 would enhance Federal efforts focused on public awareness and education about the risks and dangers associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Detailed Summary
Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through various federal agencies, to develop a national Shaken Baby Syndrome public health campaign. Requires the Secretary to: (1) develop a National Action Plan and effective strategies to increase awareness of opportunities to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome; and (2) coordinate the Plan and strategies with evidence-based strategies and efforts that support families with infants and other young children.
Directs the Secretary to carry out communication, education, and training about Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention, including efforts to communicate with the general public, such as by: (1) disseminating effective prevention practices and techniques to parents and caregivers; (2) producing evidence-based educational and information materials; and (3) carrying out Shaken Baby Syndrome training.
Requires the Secretary to 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, including a 24-hour phone hotline and the development of an Internet website for round-the-clock support.
Establishes a Shaken Baby Awareness Advisory Council to develop recommendations: (1) regarding the National Action Plan and effective strategies; and (2) related to support services for families and caregivers of young children.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 4/25/2007: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Concerned Grandfather
While SBS does happen and the associated physical damage such as, head and neck trauma and spinal cord detachment, bruised and fractured legs, arms, bruised and fractured ribs both front and back as well as death. Could someone explain why "Adverse Vaccination Reactions" are not being included in this bill? I have a Granddaughter who was given numerous vaccinations, at 2 months old, while under the care of a doctor, against the advice of the Center for Disease Control and Manufacturing Company, while recovering from pneumonia, on antibiotics and no-one is taking the doctor to jail. Why not? He knowingly vaccinated a sick child. Parents must sign and accept the consequences for any reaction from the vaccination. Why are parents being held responsible? S. 1204 is really just more spending and job security for those who want to take over child rearing from "real" parents. Wake up before your children are taken to jail for being accused of hurting your grandchild
Grandfather
It is biomechanically impossible to shake a small child as stated by those supporting SBS, without leaving marks, bruises, severe spinal cord damage or other trauma. It was stated that SBS is equal to an infant falling 2 to 3 stories, or being in an automobile accident and being thrown out of the vehicle. “ALL WITHOUT ANY EXTERNAL INJURY OR BRUISING. It’s impossible. Why are our families being falsely accused, and even convicted without proof? We have been working since Dec 2006 to get copies of medical records, subpoena ordered since about May 2007 and still our attorney's do not have the complete records. What are they hiding? DCF uses every comment from anyone "Doctors, Hospital Clergy, Nurses, and Counselors, etc against the family and twist the comments to fit the alleged event. The doctors are more interested in “who” did it not what actually happened. If this program works as well as the Sex Education to prevent Teenage Pregnancies laws we are all in real trouble.
Mother of SBS victim
My son was a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome and I think it is horrible that people continue to say it doesn't exist simply because they are in denial that someone in their family could do that to a child. I'll be the first to admit when my son was first shaken I absolutely refused to accept that it was possible. He had only been in the care of my husband and myself... yet 3 weeks later, without prompting, he confessed to shaking him. So it IS possible and it DOES happen, and it happens EVERY SINGLE DAY.