Brian Lopez
2024 Salt Lake City
Nineteenth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome / Abusive Head Trauma
Little America Hotel, Salt Lake City, UT
September 15, 16, 17, 2024
The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome is pleased to announce our nineteenth biennial conference will be in Salt Lake City on September 15-17, 2024. Nearly 30 years after we hosted our first conference, we will again call Little America Hotel home for 3 days in the gorgeous weather and colors of the Rocky Mountains in the fall.
We are incredibly excited to host in our home state. The hotel underwent an extensive $30 million renovation during COVID, and the property is amazing. Guests will love the free downtown train zone, walkability of the city, vibrant nightlife with bars and endless dining options. The temperatures in the fall are outstanding and you won’t be disappointed with the colorful mountain views from the downtown streets! The room block is now open! Reserve your room using the link in the Venue section below. Conference registration will open in January 2024. We will host a variety of learning opportunities, focusing on those working in the fields of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, investigation, prosecution, or rehabilitation of victims of shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma.
Pre-Conference NCSBS x NYC OCME Collaboration: Baby Bootcamp for Trauma Investigators
September 14, 2024 : 9:00A - 12:30P
This symposium will provide invaluable training and information for medical, legal, judicial, and law enforcement professionals on the basics of pediatric trauma investigation. The cost to attend this pre-conference bootcamp is $150 or can be combined as an add-on ticket to the SBS/AHT conference for $125. Register for the bootcamp and conference at the link in the following section.
2022 Philadelphia
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.
Meg Walker, RN, MSN
Vice Chair
Donor Spotlight
Philip Schweigert has been a long-time donor to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, supporting our mission to prevent shaken baby syndrome and promote the well-being of infants. We talked with Philip to find out more about him and where his generosity stems from.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
Family, children; their well being and the world we’re leaving for them. Bicycles. As to why; I have a wonderful family, and two terrific grandchildren. They are amazing people and mean so much to me. I’ve worked with children with severe disabilities for nearly 45 years. So children are a big part of my life and pretty much what got me up in the morning! The world seems like such a mess at times and I think that how we care for it and for one another especially our children is vitally important. Bicycles have always been a strong interest of mine, for alternative transportation, recreation, and more recently now a new vocation as a trained bicycle mechanic.
How would someone describe you?
I can only imagine what some might say! Others might say short with a short fuse at times. I do hope that they might say that I’m passionate, dedicated, and an advocate for children
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I practice Tai Chi. I worked on the railroad.
If you could change the world, what would you do?
Reverse the effects of climate change. Help to insure that families have the means (food, shelter, healthcare) to adequately care for their children. Insist that government work for the people rather than their party or special interests.
What first got you interested in being a donor for our organization?
I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Barr and hear him speak on the issue of shaken baby syndrome/AHT. I felt that it was important to increase awareness of SBS and how to prevent it. I was also afforded the opportunity to speak at your conference on two separate occasions about my experiences working with children with severe disabilities who were the victims of SBS.
Why are you supporting the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome?
I am supporting NCSBS because I believe that children should be safe from harm.Through my bicycle business I purchase, refurbish, and resale bicycles providing affordable bicycles, and alternative transportation, while raising money for the mission of protecting children and strengthening families.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
NCSBS, Keep up the good work! ALiM Cycles; For Kids’ Sake.
Trachelle Hilton-King
2019 Sydney
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!
Emily Bodily
Secretary / Treasurer
2018 Orlando
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.
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.
2016 Montreal
Fifteenth International Conference
The Fifteenth International Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma was held on September 25, 26, 27, 2016 in Montreal, Quebec.
Presenters from twelve countries shared the latest medical research, prevention efforts and investigative techniques. The program featured keynote presenter Ranny Cooper. As the former Chief of Staff for Ted Kennedy, Ranny shared her knowledge and experience in crafting an appropriate message when working with the media. Additionally, three physicians discussed the importance of clinicians sharing their experiences with others not only as a message for prevention but also as a way to process the realities of dealing with these devastating cases.
New at the conference was a Basics Track. Designed for individuals new to the field, experts provided an overview of important topics such as biomechanics, skeletal injuries, mimics of AHT, and investigative basics. This feature was highly successful.
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Great childhoods require a loving and supporting environment. Studies show that children who are raised in supportive and stable environments are more academically and financially successful, and great childhoods help children grow into productive, contributing adults who help their community.
The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, in partnership with FanX, will create awareness for Play for Prevention, a campaign designed to create awareness of child abuse prevention and encourage Utah communities, parents and childcare providers to celebrate kids through engagement and play. There are so many opportunities for you to get out and play with your children. If you're looking for some ideas, here are just a few:
- Go for a bike ride - Take a walk around the neighborhood - Go on a hike - Take the family to the park - Play a game of catch - Go fishing at a local fishing pond - Play a board game - Break out the camping games 
Join us at FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention
to Play for Prevention in the KidCon area on September 5, 6 and 7, 2019 at the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Take a selfie in a life-size action figure box and play to win amazing kid-friendly experiences from campaign supporters like Dave & Busters, Hogle Zoo and more!
Raffle tickets will be available for purchase in the KidCon area of FanX to win many of the amazing prizes. All proceeds from ticket sales will be used for child abuse prevention programs/initatives across Utah.
*Children 9 and older will require their own VIP Pass to use VIP Perks. If you have a VIP Pass, two children 8 years old and younger per VIP Pass will be allowed to attend panels and use express lines as a VIP pass holder.
**For children ages 9 through high school, we suggest you purchase a Discounted Student Pass.
Child Abuse in Utah
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A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds in the United States according to data compiled by Childhelp, and the abuse can have catastrophic impact upon its victims. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful or traumatic events that include verbal, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, as well as family dysfunction (e.g. substance abusing family members, witnessing domestic violence or parental separation or divorce). Children who have a high ACEs score are more likely to:
- Drink alcohol underage
- Have mental and substance abuse disorders
- Use tobacco
- Abuse prescription drugs
- Have a lifetime of illicit drug use
- Are 2-5 times more likely to commit suicide
- Suffer from depression
- Have sleep disorders
- Participate in high risk-sexual behaviors
- Increased risk of fetal mortality
- Have higher risk of pregnancy complications
UTAH STATISTICS
Child abuse cases in Utah have been steadily climbing over the last several years with the Utah Department of Child and Family Services reporting more than 10,000 cases of child abuse in their 2018 annual report. Thirty-seven percent of victims were under the age of 5 with the most commonly reported types of abuse being child endangerment and sexual abuse.
The good news is that child abuse can be prevented. High ACEs scores (a large number of traumatic childhood events) contribute to adverse health problems; conversely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Safe, Stable and Nurturing Relationships (SSNRs) have positive effects upon children including:
- Reducing the occurrence of child abuse and ACEs
- Reducing the negative effects of child abuse and ACEs
- Influencing many positive physical, cognitive and emotional outcomes throughout a child's life
- Reducing the negative impacts of trauma on short-and long-term health in children
- Contributing to a positive cumulative impact on health
One of the best ways to build SSNRs with your children is to spend time with them where you are focused on them. Studies show that positive outcomes are linked to the quality of time spent with children rather than the quantity of time. It's important to be in an atmosphere free of stress and anxiety, and to actively engage and interact with your children versus just "being there."
Miley's Law
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Miley was shaken by her biological father on October 16, 2013 when she was just seven (7) months old. The abuse left Miley with severe injuries including bleeding on her brain, bleeding in her eyes, bruising on her body and a fracture in her leg. Miley was given a twenty percent (20%) chance of survival.
Miley survived the abuse but faced a host of challenges during recovery. She wore braces on her legs to help straighten out her feet. She wore an eye patch on her right eye, because the abuse caused her to be cross-eyed. She worked with a speech therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, vision therapist and a play therapist. Miley's doctors advised against her playing any contact sports to protect her from further brain injuries. Miley's life is forever changed.
Miley's biological father was sentenced to one (1) to fifteen (15) years for felony child abuse. He will be up for parole after serving ten (10) years in prison. This didn't sit well with Miley's grandmother, JoAnn Otten, and she became an advocate for child abuse prevention. In a story on Love What Matters, Otten wrote, "After much soul searching I felt that Utah needed a Child Abuse Registry just like the sex offender’s registry. I contacted my state representative and asked him if he would help me to sponsor this type of bill."
Representative Derrin Owens worked with Otten and introduced Miley's Bill to the Utah Legislature, and on March 9, 2017, Miley's Bill became Miley's Law.
On February 7, 2019, Utah's Child Abuse Registry became operational. Here is the LINK TO UTAH'S CHILD ABUSE REGISTRY. Otten encourages fellow Utahns to use the registry to help protect our children. Said Otten in a KSL News story announcing the registry going live, "If your babysitter is on there or your neighbor or a coach that your children play sports with, it is a guide for you to look at, to make sure your children going with people who are safe."
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