NCJ Number
203886
Date Published
2003
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This report provides advice for the organization and management of Child Fatality Review Teams.
Abstract
Child Fatality Review Teams are multi-agency, multi-disciplinary teams that review the causes of child deaths. These Teams are able to identify gaps in agency systems designed to protect children and are able to make recommendations to improve inter-agency case management. Data collected by Teams can guide protocols and policies for agencies serving children and their families. Additionally, the review provided by Child Fatality Review Teams may help to identify high-risk behaviors. As a result of their many benefits, multi-agency Child Fatality Review Teams have formed around the country and in Canada and Australia. In order to facilitate the formation of such Teams, the basic Team structure, philosophy, and process is discussed, including the usual core membership which consists of a coroner or medical examiner, law enforcement personnel, prosecuting attorneys, child protective services, and health care representatives. Cases for review are chosen by protocol from either coroner or health records; most often these involve the deaths of all children under the age of 18. Next, the report discusses the central log or data system used by Child Fatality Review Teams, including minimum requirements for such data systems. Common problems encountered by Child Fatality Review Teams are described, such as the refusal of agency cooperation, missing records, confidentiality concerns, and failures in reporting. Other programs and review teams that function as an extension of the Child Fatality Review Teams are described and tips are offered on helping families deal with their grief. Finally, a description of campaigns and programs that address child deaths and focus on prevention are offered and five case studies are presented that illustrate the consequences of failures within child protective agencies. Glossary