NCJ Number
195979
Editor(s)
Stephen Lazoritz M.D.,
Vincent J. Palusci M.D.
Date Published
2001
Length
426 pages
Annotation
The aim of the 18 chapters of this book is to make available in one place an overview of current information on shaken baby syndrome (SBS), so that each professional who deals with this syndrome (police, medical practitioner, social worker, and legal practitioner) can benefit from the information and insights provided.
Abstract
The opening chapter provides an overview of SBS, followed by chapters on historical perspectives of SBS and the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and public health implications of SBS. Perpetrator characteristics and motives are discussed in a fourth chapter, with attention to the biomechanics of abusive head trauma in the succeeding chapter. Other chapters on the medical aspects of SBS address neurologic sequelae of SBS, radiographic evaluation, ophthalmic manifestations of SBS, the medical management of the shaken infant, brain injury rehabilitation in children with non-accidental trauma, and pathological findings in fatal shaken impact syndrome. A chapter is devoted to the roles of the medical social worker and child advocacy in SBS cases. Three chapters discuss criminal justice and legal issues in addressing cases of SBS. Attention is given to procedures in the police investigation, with detailed guidance on evidence collection, recording the crime scene, consent searches, and interviewing witnesses and suspects. A chapter on legal considerations in SBS cases provides guidance in the management and processing of SBS cases in criminal and juvenile/family court, with emphasis on the unique characteristics of SBS cases and the legal challenges posed. Another chapter provides guidelines for the prosecutor in managing SBS cases. Remaining chapters focus on ethical challenges in the care of the SBS victim, the prevention of SBS, and controversies associated with shaken baby/shaken impact syndrome. Chapter references and a subject index