LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim April 12-18, 2009, as Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, Shaken Baby Syndrome is a clearly definable medical term used
to describe the constellation of symptoms, trauma and medical conditions
resulting from the violent shaking, or abuse impact to the head of an
infant or young child less than five years of age; and
WHEREAS, The most recent National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System
figures reveal 3.6 million children were reported as victims of abuse
and neglect in 2006 throughout the United States; such abuse and neglect
causes unspeakable pain and suffering with disastrous consequences for
the child, family and society; and
WHEREAS, On average 3,000 infants and young children become victims of
Shaken Baby Syndrome by those who are entrusted to care for them, the
average age of Shaken Baby Syndrome victims are between 3 to 8 months of
age with thousands of additional cases misdiagnosed or undetected; and
WHEREAS, Among the children who are victims of abuse or neglect in
2006, there were 1,530 child fatality victims, over 300 were the result
of Shaken Baby Syndrome; and
WHEREAS, The youngest children experienced the highest rates of fatal-
ities; children age one or younger accounted for 32.2% of all child
abuse and neglect fatalities, and children age four or younger account
for 78.0% of all child abuse and neglect fatalities in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Shaken Baby Syndrome is recognized as the leading cause of
death and permanent disability, and estimated 25% of victims die as a
result of their injuries, 65% will suffer permanent, severe disabilities
including brain damage, paralysis, blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy,
seizures, learning or behavioral disorders, autism, and coma; fewer than
10 percent of Shaken Baby Syndrome victims recover completely; and
WHEREAS, The economic cost of Shaken Baby Syndrome are significant;
initial hospitalization costs average $18,000 to $70,000 per child; the
costs of medial care and rehabilitation for a single disabled child
exceeds 4 million dollars over a lifetime; in New York, Medicaid pays
41% of those costs; and
WHEREAS, The most effective way to end Shaken Baby Syndrome is by
preventing such abuse; awareness and prevention programs have demon-
strated that educating parents and caregivers about the dangers of shak-
ing young children, healthy strategies for coping with infant crying,
infant soothing skills, and how to protect children from injury can
bring about a significant reduction in the number of cases of Shaken
Baby Syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome is supported by national
groups such as The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, The Shaken
Baby Alliance, The Shaken Baby Coalition, The Shaken Baby Council, and
New York State groups such as The Cynthia Gibbs Foundation, New York
Shaken Baby Prevention Program, The Westchester Task Force on Child
Abuse and Neglect, Parents of Murdered Children of New York State Inc.,
Victims Justice Center of the Office of the Westchester County District
Attorney and the The Skipper Initiative, whose common mission is to
educate new parents and caregivers, increase awareness among the general
public and professionals, and encourage increased support for victims
and their families in the health care and criminal justice systems; and
WHEREAS, Efforts to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome are also supported by
child protection agencies, law enforcement personnel, healthcare profes-
sionals, and legal representatives; and

WHEREAS, Legislation entitled "Cynthia's Law" enacted by the New York
State Legislature in 2006 requires the Department of Health to implement
a Shaken Baby Syndrome Public Information and Educational Campaign to
inform the general public about brain injuries and other harmful effects
that result from shaking infants and young children; and
WHEREAS, Legislation enacted by the New York State Legislature in 2004
requires all hospitals and birthing centers to offer new parents the
opportunity to watch a video about the causes and consequences of Shaken
Baby Syndrome, and ways it can be prevented so they can help protect
their child from shaking injuries; and
WHEREAS, Legislation enacted by the New York State Legislature in 2003
requires that all certified childcare providers receive education about
the causes and consequences of Shaken Baby Syndrome, and ways it can be
prevented; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim April 12-18, 2009, as
Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.