NCJ Number
122253
Journal
Protecting Children Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 6-8
Date Published
1989
Length
3 pages
Annotation
With child abuse fatalities on the rise, community professionals must direct their attention to these cases in order to better understand the family dynamics involved, community-related issues that affect the handling of and response to a child's death, and changes that can be implemented to prevent future child deaths.
Abstract
A comprehensive evaluation of each fatality must be undertaken to identify the circumstances involved in a child's death. The best method is the formation of a State-level, interdisciplinary Child Fatalities Review Committee that is empowered to conduct a full examination of each death incident. The effectiveness of such a committee requires full participation by all agencies and professions involved in the child welfare system. Seven procedural issues must be addressed prior to the committee's establishment: 1) all abuse or neglect families must be reviewed; 2) child fatality reviews must occur at the State or provincial level; 3) confidentiality statements must be signed by all committee members; 4) regular reports must be planned to provide up-to-date information on the magnitude of the problem and total system needs; 5) the committee must have complete access to all relevant records; 6) the committee must have the authority to interview professionals directly involved in a case; and 7) the committee must include all relevant professions, such as child protective, legal, medical, mental health, and law enforcement services. Only through cooperative efforts of all public and private organizations can positive results be expected. 2 references.