SHAKEN BABY ALLIANCE
Supporting Familes and Professionals in the fight against child abuse
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a subset of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), the leading cause of death and disability in young children SBS/AHT is caused by a caregiver shaking and/or impacting a child’s head, resulting in brain injury or death. At least 1 in 4 infants who are violently shaken die. The increase in shaking between ages 3 and 6 months, when crying peaks, accords with battering as the main cause of hospitalization and death at this age. Other child physical abuse signs include skin injuries, fractures, abdominal injuries, and burns resulting in pain, permanent injury, and disfigurement. In FY 2022, TX had 182 confirmed child abuse and neglect-related fatalities. Of those, 76 children (40%) died of Physical Abuse (Blunt Force Trauma and Intentional Homicide);111 children (61%) were 3 years and younger. Tarrant had 13 child abuse deaths, ranking 3rd statewide. Harris was #1 with 48, followed by Dallas County with 24. The #1 trigger of SBS/AHT is crying.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Victim Family Support
PURPOSE:
Provide a coordinated system of case management for victim families that is culturally relevant, linguistically accessible, trauma-informed, evidence-based, developmentally, and age/situation appropriate.
We reach families left behind and not served by other programs, including families with a child who has died or with a child abuse survivor with multiple disabilities due to inflicted trauma and brain injury. We help with everything from physical and emotional support to assistance navigating the education, health, and legal systems. We served 248 clients in 2022 free of charge.
Professional Support: Training in Advanced Investigations in Child and Elder Abuse
Professional Support: Sliding Scale
Goal: To provide professionals with tools needed to effectively identify and prosecute abuse cases via:
a. Training: SBA provides a full range of forensic investigative training programs for professionals, including APS, law enforcement, child protection, medical practitioners, first responders, and legal professionals, related to child physical abuse and similar methods of investigating abuse of other physical or cognitive vulnerable populations (e.g., elder abuse). We trained 1388 professionals in 2022.
b. Case Consultation Services: SBA provides case consultations in child physical abuse cases. We target law enforcement and police. Services include case analysis, technical support with crime scene investigation, interviews, timelines, visual aids, and expert witness recommendations. We consulted on 52 cases in 2022.
Since 1999, SBA has trained nationwide and in Canada.
Case Consultations for Complex Physical Abuse Cases
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT: CASE CONSULTATIONS
GOAL
Provide case consultations to enhance the capacity of child protection, law enforcement, first, and social service agencies in the community to appropriately investigate and respond to cases of confirmed or suspected child abuse for successful case outcomes.
Case consultation services include case analysis, technical support with crime scene investigation, developing interview questions, timelines or visual aids, and recommendations for expert witnesses. Keeping current on the spectrum of our services and actively practicing in each respective discipline has distinguished our multidisciplinary team (MDT) from others in the field. With one phone call, text, or email, any of our constituents, whether a victim family member, law enforcement officer, child advocate, CPS, or legal professional, can access the best resources in the country.
We consulted on 52 cases in 2022.
COPE Child Abuse Prevention Education for At-Risk Populations
Goal: To reduce the incidence of SBS/AHT through teaching COPE (Crying, Overwhelmed, Pause, Exit), which equips at-risk caregivers with the tools to deal with crying, the #1 trigger for SBS/AHT. We offer free COPE child abuse prevention education to students, childcare staff, and the community. We provide our When Babies Cry DVD (Spanish/ English) to over 2,000 yearly.
Risk factors for SBS/AHT include young parents, unstable families, low socioeconomic status, and uneducated child-care providers. COPE incorporates evidence-informed data to prevent child physical abuse. COPE, a culturally inclusive program taught in English/Spanish is designed for delivery in high schools and communities. COPE is an easy-to-remember acronym that walks current/future caregivers through safe steps to de-escalate stressful caregiving situations: COPE is based on research by Dias et al. showing a 47% reduction in SBS/AHT incidence. COPE provides a structured education covering infant crying patterns, the
Where we work
External reviews
Photos
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of victim families (adults and children) served
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Age groups
Related Program
Victim Family Support
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
Our 2023 goal was to serve 225 families. Victim Family Support is offered free of charge to families.
Number of professionals trained in advanced forensic child abuse investigations to insure successful court outcomes
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Related Program
Professional Support: Training in Advanced Investigations in Child and Elder Abuse
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Funding for child abuse training has been diverted to mass shooting and terrorism training. We have turned down requests for lack of monies.
Number of students, caregivers, and at risk population members trained in how to cope with a crying baby, the #1 trigger of shaken baby syndrome.
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Age groups, Family relationships
Related Program
COPE Child Abuse Prevention Education for At-Risk Populations
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Prevention education is offered free of charge.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
SBA has the goal of nationally ending Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS/AHT), defined by the CDC as a preventable and severe form of physical child abuse. Our three programs alleviate suffering and cruelty to children by addressing the significant needs of those affected by child physical abuse and Abusive Head Trauma. During COVID, with child abuse and infant deaths rising, SBA assisted first responders and police, walking them through investigations. SBA answered calls and texts from parents on edge, showing them how to cope with a crying baby step-by-step.
SBA is the only agency that counteracts the rising acts of physical violence against children. Our programs alleviate suffering and cruelty to children by addressing the significant needs of those affected by child physical abuse and Abusive Head Trauma. Victim children and families have complex needs: not only support and resources but also 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 responding to the call, and work with the lawyer to present the case.
Our three programs, Victim Family Services, Professional Support (Training and Case Consultation) for law enforcement, investigators, first responders, and other child welfare professionals, and Prevention Education (SBS and SIDS risk reduction with high school students, childcare providers, and the community), blend those needs.
Our programs respond to these prevention and intervention points:
1. Crying is the #1 trigger for SBS/AHT, followed by potty training, feeding issues, and interrupting adult caregiver activity. (AAP,2019; NCSBS,2019). (Prevention Education)
2. SBS/AHT is an injury in the brain requiring specialized forensic investigative training. There needs to be consistent funding for specialized training. (Professional Support)
3. Families impacted by child physical abuse need medical, emotional, physical, and often financial support. When a child is shaken, the most common perpetrator is the biological father, followed by the moms boyfriend. Mothers may be financially devastated by the spousal income loss. They miss work to care for their severely brain-injured child and the fluctuating needs of siblings. Care may be needed over a lifetime. (Victim Family Services)
Goals 2024 :
1. Support 250 victim family members and survivors.
2. Train 700 professionals virtually and/or in person.
3. Educate 1100 students and 100 community members to cope with a crying baby.
4. Provide 25 case consultations
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
A. PROGRAMS
SBA programs address the significant needs of those affected by child physical abuse and Abusive Head Trauma. Victim children and families have complex needs: not only support and resources but also some affirmation that they can save another innocent victim and family from this horrific nightmare and seek justice. Our three programs, Victim Family Support, Professional Support (including Forensic Investigative Training and Case Consultation Services), and Prevention Education, blend those needs.
1. Victim Family Support (free of charge)
Goal: Provide a coordinated system of case management for victim families that is culturally relevant, linguistically accessible, trauma-informed, evidence-based, developmentally, and age/situation appropriate. We support families and survivors of SBS/AHT left behind and not served by others, including families with a child who died. We help with everything from financial and emotional support to navigating the education, health, and legal systems. We served 248 clients in 2022
2. Professional Support:
Goal: To provide professionals with tools needed to effectively identify and prosecute abuse cases via:
a. Training: SBA provides a full range of forensic investigative training programs for professionals, including law enforcement, CPS, APS, first responders, and medical and legal professionals, related to child physical abuse and abuse of other physically or cognitively vulnerable populations (e.g., elder abuse). We trained 1388 professionals in 2022.
b. Case Consultation Services: SBA provides case consults in child physical abuse cases. We target law enforcement and police. Services include case analysis, technical support with crime scene investigation, interviews, timelines, visual aids, and expert witness recommendations. We consulted on 52 cases in 2022. 3. Prevention Education: (free of charge)
Goal: To reduce the incidence of SBS/AHT by equipping caregivers with the tools to deal with crying, the #1 trigger for SBS/AHT. We prevent child abuse by educating at-risk populations and the community. We trained 882 students in 2022.
B. COLLABORATION
1. SBA partnered in 2019 with One Safe Place to share office space, counselors, training, and connections to 42 other family violence agencies. Through active partnerships with CPS, APS, law enforcement, Cooks CARE Team, CASA of Tarrant, Denton, Dallas Counties, Justins Place, prosecutors, and agencies, we identify child abuse victims and families who need Victim Family Support services. SBA coordinates with multiple community agencies for needed victim and financial support, training, and consults.
2. In 02.2021, SBA received a multiyear $299,000 grant from the Fort Worth Crime Prevention and Control District to reduce violent crime, specifically Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), by providing in high crime areas a.) SBAs COPE education to equip parents with skills to cope with a crying baby and b.) advanced child abuse forensic
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
In our 23-year existence, we have faced and overcome financial challenges. Sustainability has been examined in every budget line and is a high priority for SBA. Our robust plan addresses the pandemic losses without sacrificing mission. To diversify our revenues, we will amplify our staff, board, and advisory board capacity to fundraise; build new foundation relationships, cultivate corporate sponsors and individual donors' support, and continue our annual fundraising appeal process.
Each year since SBAs 1998 incorporation, programs have met and exceeded service goals due to increased demand from victims and professionals. With COVID, a growing awareness of SBA through word of mouth, professional contacts, collaboration, and website traffic produced an overwhelming service demand. All services are assessed, assigned and/or referred out as appropriate.
1. SBA exceeded all 2022 program goals:
a. Provide support to a minimum of 200 victim family members. Outcome: 248 victim family members served.
b. Train 1300 professionals, 600 middle and high school students, and 100 community members. Outcome: 1388 adults and 822 students trained. Of the 822 students trained in COPE, (Crying, Overwhelmed, Pause, Exit):
1. 100% created a crying plan and signed a promise letter never to shake a baby.
2. Pretest scores averaged 56 of 100%, while post-test averaged 90%, indicating knowledge gained about SBS/AHT risk factors and crying resolution.
c. Provide at least 50 case consultations: Outcome: 52 case consultations provided.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
SBA saw a specific need, developed partnerships with stakeholders across the state and nation, and implemented a plan to address child physical abuse in the State of Texas and beyond. Over the past 24 years, SBA has supported families in need while developing into a nationally recognized forensic training and case consulting agency for professionals in the field of child physical abuse.
SBA saw a specific need, developed partnerships with stakeholders across the state and nation, and implemented a plan to address child physical abuse in the State of Texas and beyond. Over the past 24 years, SBA has supported families in need while developing into a nationally recognized forensic training and case consulting agency for professionals in the field of child physical abuse.
Listening to our constituents needs, focusing on mission-driven program needs, and using our position as the only agency dedicated solely to the prevention of physical violence against children has brought us unheralded new opportunities.
1. In 03.2023, SBA played a pivotal background role in the James Staley trial held in Fort Worth. Staley was convicted of capital murder of his two-year-old son, Wilder. SBA attended the trial daily. We provided the mother with Victim Support Services, prepped the prosecutor, and built a new doll for demonstrative evidence.
2. In Feb. 2021, SBA received a multiyear $299,000 grant from the Fort Worth Crime Prevention and Control District to reduce violent crime, specifically Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), by providing a.) SBA’s COPE education in high risk areas to equip parents with skills to cope with a crying baby, the #1 trigger of AHT, and b.) advanced child abuse forensic investigation training for law enforcement and other professionals to improve case outcomes. The grant funds SBA's Educator dedicated to teaching our COPE, our evidence-based, prevention education program to high-risk groups including students and the community. As statistics reflect an increase in child abuse in the Hispanic population, this group is a major program focus.
3. An unprecedented collaboration among the Senior Source Elder Financial Center, SBA, the Dallas Probate Courts, elder law attorneys and the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) produced the first “Crimes Against the Elderly and People with Disabilities” on 09.30 and 10.01.21 at DCAC. This was a natural progression for our forensic training since children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are all vulnerable victims. COVID enhanced that vulnerability. Our second conference was held 10.20 to 10.21.22 at DCAC.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
-
How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
-
Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We share the feedback we received with the people we serve
-
What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, Clients may lack technology to provide feedback. SBA must respect client confidentiality.
Financials
Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Try our monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights?
Learn more
about GuideStar Pro.
Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
SHAKEN BABY ALLIANCE
Board of directorsas of 01/22/2024
Beth Sedlet
Homemaker, Data Manager, Never Shake a Baby Arizona
Term: 2019 - 2024
Craig Futterman
Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Falls Church, VA
Carl Coats
Grapevine Police Dept., Grapevine, TX
Beth Sedlet
Homemaker, Phoenix, AZ
Andrea Adelmann
Founder, Compass High School , mother of SBS survivor
Heather Downs
Child Advocate
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
-
Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Not applicable -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Transgender Identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data