NEWS RELEASE

SASKATOON, Nov. 2 , 2001/CNW/

Health Canada, together with a diverse group of professional and advocacy associations, today released a Joint Statement on Shaken Baby Syndrome. This statement describes how to deal with and prevent tragic child abuse in the form where a baby suffers from the serious consequences of being shaken.

The Joint Statement represents an important step to stimulate action across Canada in order to address this serious condition. It will assist health, child welfare, police, social services, justice and education professionals to deal with and help reduce the incidence of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS).

At present, there is no definitive number as to how many babies are affected by SBS in Canada. The incidence of SBS may be severely underestimated due to missed diagnosis and under reporting. A recent U.S. study revealed that the diagnosis of SBS was missing more than 30% of the cases of abusive head trauma in infants.

SBS occurs when an infant or young child is shaken violently causing brain damage. The most severe cases can result in death. The lifelong consequences for infants who survive SBS can include neurological, physical and behavioural problems. These children will likely require special services for their entire lives.

According to a recent Canadian study, over a 10-year period, 364 children were hospitalized for SBS. Of those, 19% died and 59% had neurological or visual impairment and/or other health effects.

The Joint Statement was developed by Health Canada, the Saskatchewan Institute on Prevention of Handicaps, the Canadian Paediatric Society, and the Canadian Institute of Child Health. The Canadian Public Health Association, the Child Welfare League of Canada, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Bar Association are co-signatories.

The statement was released today at the Second National Conference on Shaken Baby Syndrome taking place in Saskatoon. Organized by the Saskatchewan Institute on Prevention of Handicaps, this conference has brought together experts in the field to share information about and strategies for dealing with SBS.

Copies of the Joint Statement and additional information is available on the Health Canada web site at:
Joint Statement on Shaken Baby Syndrome - Health Canada - English
Joint Statement on Shaken Baby Syndrome - Health Canada - French