Primary prevention
Parents
Education in hospital at infant's birth, ongoing education from paediatricians and other family support settings, home visits from visiting nurse or home visitors, parental stress hotlines, parenting groups and other social supports, as well as support from child protection services (with possible transfer of custody to foster care).[25][26][27][28] National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome Opens in new window
Public
Legislation supporting community and in-hospital education, public service campaigns, 'Don't shake the baby' cards, flyers, billboard displays, provision of adequate daycare services and other family supports in communities.[29][30]
Family and formal daycare settings
Education of staff about the consequences of shaking, checking of references, active and ongoing supervision, open and frequent communication between parents and staff, unannounced visits.
Secondary prevention
It is important to consult with a hospital child protection team and social work services as soon as possible when a case of potential child abuse is suspected or identified.[1][22]
Child protection services will assess the risk of re-injury of the patient, and risk to other children with the same carer. After doing so, child protection services may remove the patient and other children from exposure to the offending carer.
Additionally, most cases of abusive head trauma will be referred to the police or the relevant authorities for criminal investigation.
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