The Shaken Baby Alliance

A nonprofit organization

0% complete

$30,000 Goal


SBA aims to nationally end Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS/AHT), defined by the CDC as a “preventable and severe form of physical child abuse.”  SBS/AHT is caused by a caregiver violently shaking and/ or bluntly impacting a child’s head, resulting in brain injury or death. Over the past 25 years, SBA has supported victim families while developing into a nationally recognized forensic training and consulting agency for professionals in the child physical abuse field. We have served over 6,000 victim family members at no charge. We reach families left behind and not served by other programs. These include families with children who have died and those with children and elders who survive physical abuse.  Survivors often have life-long disabilities due to injuries. Many families have been with us since 1998, with SBA supporting various needs from birth through adulthood. SBA’s award-winning investigative training programs have taught best practice forensic standards using an evidence-informed curriculum to over 28,000 field professionals. We have provided technical support on over 2,000 cases, requested by investigative and legal professionals on complex physical abuse and death cases. Our When Babies Cry…We C.O.P.E. (Crying, Overwhelmed, Pause, Exit) child abuse prevention program, developed in partnership with the State Bar of Texas Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, has equipped over 11,000 students to cope with crying – the #1 cause of child physical abuse.

For more information, visit our website at www.shakenbaby.org  or on Facebook and Instagram @theshakenbabyalliance.


Our Programs

Victim Family Services: We provide support to families often left behind and not served by other programs by sharing information and resources for victims of child physical abuse, elder abuse, or the abuse of people with disabilities. These services are offered at no charge to the victim/family members. 

Prevention Education: We prevent child physical abuse by educating at-risk populations, childcare providers, and community members. As crying is the #1 trigger for Shaken Baby Syndrome and other forms of child physical abuse, we use an evidence-informed curriculum that provides tools to C.O.P.E. with crying. Our curriculum is designed for delivery in school, community, and hospital/medical care systems. 

Professional Support:                                                                                              

  1. Training: We provide a full range of forensic investigative training programs for investigating crimes against vulnerable victims, including law enforcement, child/adult protection, medical practitioners, mental health providers, and legal professionals investigating crimes against vulnerable victims including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities to promote successful court outcomes. 
  2. Case Consultations: We provide case consultation services using a multi-disciplinary group of professionals nationwide related to crimes against children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. 


How You Can Help

Donate: By donating, you can make a tangible and lasting difference in the lives of the most vulnerable among us. Your contribution will support essential programs that work tirelessly to prevent abuse, support victim families and professionals and get justice for the innocent victims. With your donation, we can protect children and elders from harm. Your donation, no matter the amount, can transform lives and be a beacon of hope.  

Volunteer: Volunteering with the Shaken Baby Alliance is an incredible opportunity to impact the lives of vulnerable children and their families directly. By dedicating your time, energy, and skills to our organization, you can play a vital role in preventing child physical abuse and supporting those affected by it. By sharing your knowledge, lending a compassionate ear, and providing support to families, you can help raise awareness about the dangers of shaking infants and contribute to preventing this devastating form of child abuse. Your efforts can save lives and create a lasting positive change in the community. Joining the Shaken Baby Alliance as a volunteer allows you to make a significant difference and champion children's safety and well-being. Volunteering with the Shaken Baby Alliance will enable you to be part of the solution. 

Whether you donate or volunteer, you play a crucial role in creating a safer and more compassionate society for vulnerable children and elders.

Mission

The mission of The Shaken Baby Alliance (SBA) is to provide SUPPORT for victim families and professionals, PREVENTION of child and elder abuse, and JUSTICE for the innocent victims.

Needs

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a subset of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), the leading cause of death and disability in young children (Klevens,2010). SBS/AHT is caused by a caregiver shaking and/or impacting a child’s head, resulting in brain injury. At least 1 in 4 infants who are violently shaken die (Carbaugh, 2004). The increase in shaking between ages 3 and 6 months, when crying peaks, accords with battering as the leading cause of hospitalization and death at this age.

Our programs alleviate suffering and cruelty to children by addressing the significant needs of those affected by child physical abuse and SBS/AHT. Victim children and families have complex needs: not only support and resources but also an affirmation that they can save another innocent victim and family from this horrific nightmare and seek justice. We may meet a family when the abuse occurs, train the police officer responding to the call, and work with the lawyer to present the case.

We cannot do our work without the support of our community, who donate their time, energy, talents, or resources. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that will touch the lives of countless individuals. Your generosity will not only impact the lives of those directly benefited by our programs but will also inspire others to join our cause and spread hope.

$25 provides printed materials for teaching students to regulate their emotions and C.O.P.E. with life stressors in healthy ways

$50 provides printed materials for teaching parents to C.O.P.E. with a crying baby utilizing an individualized crying plan

$75 provides needed supplies for a family in crisis

$125 provides formula &/or diapers for a victim of child physical abuse

$250 provides needed investigative tools for a professional investigating crimes against vulnerable victims

Equity Statement

WE BELIEVE THE VULNERABLE WE SERVE SHOULD BE SAFE AND HAPPY

The Shaken Baby Alliance aims to nationally end Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS/AHT), defined by the CDC as a “preventable and severe form of physical child abuse.” SBS/AHT is caused by a caregiver violently shaking and/or bluntly impacting a child’s head, resulting in brain injury or death. To that end:

1. The Shaken Baby Alliance does not discriminate in employment opportunities or program practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. SBA serves wherever needs and services are requested, regardless of population or income.

2. Our quest to nationally eradicate child physical abuse, including Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma, necessitates the three-pronged approach of victim and professional support, prevention, and justice. This is reflected in our mission and delivered through our programs.

3. Child abuse and neglect are often associated with a lack of understanding of basic child development or an inability to put that knowledge into action. Our three programs straddle the knowledge divide for victims, the professionals investigating cases, and the lawyers seeking justice. This is a critical step to undergirding a healthy community.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

The Shaken Baby Alliance

Tax id (EIN)

75-2758611

Guidestar

Causes

Domestic/Family Violence & Advocacy

Operating Budget

$500,000 - $999,999

Counties Served

Wise, Tarrant, Somervell, Rockwall, Parker, Palo Pinto, Navarro, Montague, Kaufman, Johnson, Hunt, Hood, Grayson, Fannin, Erath, Ellis, Denton, Dallas, Cooke, Collin

BIPOC Serving

Hispanic or Latinx

Address

1100 Hemphill Suite 105
Fort Worth, TX 76104

Phone

817-882-8686

Social Media