The Amador County Child Abuse Prevention Council has received a $400 grant from RadioShack Corporation to help fund its Shaken Baby Prevention Program.

In September, the Amador County Public Health Department purchased "Mikey" for the council, a doll used to demonstrate what happens in a live baby's brain when someone who is angry or frustrated severely shakes a young child. Mikey is an 18-inch, 10-pound doll, about the size and weight of a 2-month old infant, whose head is made of clear plastic so that the pink baby brain can be easily seen. Portions of Mikey's little brain light up to reveal damage when he is shaken severely, providing a very powerful visual demonstration of the effects of shaking a baby.

The council has also purchased two video tapes, a CD and other educational materials to use in training sessions for teens and adults. The council has already received positive feedback from the recent presentations made to the Amador High School Child Development classes and from the Human Resource Council Child Care Resources-sponsored Child Safety Workshop attendees. Students and adults both reported that they were surprised at how quickly and easily a baby's brain could be damaged.

Thanks to the grant from RadioShack the council will be able to purchase additional educational materials and to provide more no-cost presentations to the community.

Groups or individuals who would like to schedule a presentation or receive more information on Shaken Baby Syndrome should contact the council office at 223-5921 or e-mail info@amadorcapc.org.

ACCAPC is a collaboration between the community and public agencies whose goal is to ensure that every child lives a healthy and safe life free from violence. ACCAPC is a nonprofit organization whose primary funding is from the state Children's Trust Fund, Small County Initiatives, grants and generous donations from community members and other organizations. First 5 Amador provides in-kind office space to the council.

General council meetings are held on the third Monday of odd months at 10 a.m. at the General Services Administration Building. A kick-off planning meeting for April's Child Abuse Prevention Month is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17 at the new County Administration Building. Community members are encouraged to attend.