SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 636

	WHEREAS, Head trauma is the leading cause of disability and 
death among infants and children, and during Child Abuse 
Prevention Month in April, the Shaken Baby Alliance of Fort Worth 
is calling attention to a particular form of abusive head trauma 
that is often borne of frustration or ignorance; and

	WHEREAS, Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs when a caregiver 
violently shakes or slams a child, usually to stop the child from 
crying; the head and neck of a child younger than two are 
especially vulnerable, and the whiplash motion caused by violent 
shaking results in the tearing and bleeding of delicate veins 
over the child's brain, which in turn cause pressure that 
destroys brain tissue; statistics show that between 25 to 30 
percent of Shaken Baby Syndrome victims die and that those who do 
survive usually suffer from one or more devastating disorders, 
which may include permanent brain damage, cerebral palsy, 
paralysis, blindness, or severe learning and behavior problems; 
and

	WHEREAS, Symptoms of the syndrome range from mild forms of 
irritability, poor feeding, vomiting, and lethargy to more 
serious symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, seizures, 
comas, and death; and

	WHEREAS, The Shaken Baby Alliance of Fort Worth offers 
support and information for families affected by Shaken Baby 
Syndrome as well as for professionals needing information and 
referral services; founded in 1998 by three mothers whose 
children were victims of the syndrome, the alliance's threefold 
mission consists of support for victim families and 
professionals, prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome through 
education, and justice for the innocent victims as shaking a baby 
is considered a serious crime; and

	WHEREAS, It has been estimated that as many as 50 percent 
of teenagers and adult caregivers do not know that shaking a baby 
is dangerous and can be fatal; it is the aim of the Shaken Baby 
Alliance to share this vital information with everyone who cares 
for a child, and Child Abuse Prevention Month in April offers an 
excellent opportunity to disseminate this important message to 
all Texans; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby commend the Shaken Baby Alliance during 
Child Abuse Prevention Month for their invaluable efforts to help 
affected families and extend to all those associated with the 
alliance sincere best wishes for success in the fight against 
Shaken Baby Syndrome; and, be it further


	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be 
prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard 
from the Texas Senate.
                                                                          Harris




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 18, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate