Being accused of shaking your baby is one of the most serious and distressing allegations a parent can face. For many families, the accusation arises suddenly after a hospital visit and is quickly followed by social services starting care proceedings.
If this has happened to you, it is vital to understand:
An allegation is not proof
Medical findings do not automatically mean abuse
The early stages of care proceedings are critical to your case
At Patrick Lawrence Partnership LLP, we are one of the largest specialist care proceedings teams in the Home Counties. We regularly represent parents across Kent who have been accused of shaken baby syndrome (SBS) or abusive head trauma (AHT).
This guide explains what to do if social services accuse you of shaking your baby and begin care proceedings.
What Does It Mean to Be Accused of Shaken Baby Syndrome or Abusive Head Trauma?
Allegations of shaken baby syndrome (SBS) or abusive head trauma (AHT) are usually based on medical findings such as:
Brain injury
Bleeding
Fractures
However:
These findings do not automatically prove abuse
There may be medical, accidental, or natural explanations
Courts must rely on evidence — not assumptions
Despite this, social services often issue care proceedings quickly because of the seriousness of the allegation.
If you find yourself in these circumstances, taking immediate and informed action is essential.
1. Contact a Specialist Care Proceedings Solicitor Immediately
If you are accused of shaking your baby, urgent legal advice is critical.
You should instruct:
A solicitor who specialises in care proceedings
A legal team experienced in complex medical and expert evidence
Lawyers familiar with shaken baby and serious injury cases
In England and Wales, parents are entitled to non-means-tested legal aid for care proceedings, regardless of income or assets.
The lawyers at Patrick Lawrence Partnership LLP can act immediately in such cases on a free legal aid basis. You should contact us urgently on:
01474 356441
01634 543220
Early legal advice can significantly affect the outcome of your case.
2. Be Extremely Careful What You Say to Professionals
If social services accuse you of shaking your baby, everything you say may later be relied upon in court.
You should:
Avoid speculating about how injuries occurred
Never attempt to explain complex medical findings yourself
Statements made in the early stages of a case can become central to proceedings. Always seek legal advice before giving detailed explanations.
3. Medical Evidence in Shaken Baby Cases Must Be Properly Challenged
Allegations of shaken baby syndrome or abusive head trauma rely heavily on medical opinion. This evidence is often complex and can be disputed.
An experienced care proceedings solicitor can:
Obtain full medical disclosure
Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or assumptions in the evidence
Request independent medical experts
Ensure alternative explanations are explored
Obtain assistance from specialist barristers
Seek authority for the instruction of King’s Counsel in complex, disputed medical cases
Challenging medical evidence is a normal and essential part of care proceedings. It is not unusual for expert opinions to differ.
4. Cooperate With Social Services — But Do Not Agree Automatically
Family courts expect parents to engage constructively with the process. However, cooperation does not mean accepting allegations.
You should:
Attend all hearings and meetings
Follow court orders precisely
Remain calm and child-focused
You should not:
Argue emotionally
Attempt to represent yourself in complex medical cases
Discuss the case on social media
Measured, legally guided cooperation is key.
5. Keep Clear and Accurate Records
In shaken baby and serious injury cases, documentation can be crucial.
We advise parents to:
Keep copies of all court documents
Save emails and letters from professionals
Maintain a factual diary including dates, times, and events
Avoid emotional or argumentative language. Courts rely on clear, factual evidence.
Specialist Care Proceedings Solicitors in Kent, London and the Home Counties
Patrick Lawrence Partnership LLP has a dedicated care team regularly representing parents accused of:
Shaken baby syndrome
Abusive head trauma
Serious injury allegations
We provide:
Urgent legal advice
Robust challenge to medical evidence
Clear, compassionate representation throughout proceedings
If social services have accused you of shaking your baby or started care proceedings, early specialist advice can make a decisive difference.
Contact Patrick Lawrence Partnership LLP today for immediate assistance.
