Shaken Baby Syndrome

NAI refers to any injury in a child that is believed to have been inflicted by an adult, rather than caused by accident or illness. It may include bruises, fractures, burns, head injuries, internal damage and even the death of a child when the cause is not known or thought to be traumatic. 

SBS, also called Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), is a diagnosis made when a baby has intracranial head injuries or a combination of injuries, typically subdural haemorrhage, retinal haemorrhage and brain swelling, believed to be caused by violent shaking. However, some experts dispute the diagnosis when other medical explanations may exist.

Yes. There are various medical conditions that can cause or contribute to the injuries we see in these cases,  such as Vitamin D deficiency, clotting disorders, genetic issues or infections.  That’s why an experienced solicitor and independent medical assessments are crucial in these cases.

Care proceedings will likely start and it is likely that your child will not be able to return home from the hospital with you. You may be interviewed by the police and should ensure you have a criminal solicitor for this. 

Yes, interim care orders can be made during court proceedings, even before the full facts are established. This doesn’t mean guilt has been established but it is a precaution to ensure any children are protected.  An interim care order allows the Local Authority to place a child in foster care or in a family kinship placement.  The court will likely later hold a fact-finding hearing to determine what actually happened.

Absolutely. These cases are medically complex and legally serious. Innocent parents can be wrongly accused. You need a solicitor who specialises in non-accidental injury and child protection to advise you throughout these lengthy proceedings, protect your rights and present your case effectively.

Not always. There are usually family court proceedings first, which are civil (not criminal). If the court finds you likely caused harm, the police may later pursue criminal charges, but this depends on the evidence. You will, however, likely be interviewed by the police early on and should ensure you have a criminal solicitor present for this.

In many cases, supervised contact is allowed unless the court believes it would be unsafe. Your solicitor can help negotiate contact arrangements and represent your wishes in court.

A fact-finding hearing is held in the Family Court to determine whether the injury was non-accidental, and if so, who was responsible. This is separate from any criminal trial and based on the balance of probabilities, not beyond reasonable doubt.

Rachel Carter and Victoria Harle are specialist solicitors with extensive experience defending parents accused of Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) and Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). They are widely recognised for their expert handling of complex medical evidence, compassionate client care, and strong track record in challenging false allegations. Working closely with leading barristers and experts, Rachel and Victoria provide clear legal guidance and powerful representation throughout family proceedings. If you’re facing an accusation, they are the people you want in your corner.