Process For Child Fatality Reviews

Any child, birth through age 17, who dies will be reported to the coroner/medical examiner.

The coroner/medical examiner conducts a death-scene investigation and notifies the division via the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline. If the coroner/medical examiner determines that the child died from natural causes while under medical care, the coroner/medical examiner or the child's physician shall notify the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline. Additionally, the child's physician can complete a Child Fatality Review Program Worksheet and forward it to the coroner/medical examiner.

The coroner/medical examiner, with the certified child-death pathologist, determines the need for an autopsy. If an autopsy is needed, it is performed by a certified child-death pathologist. If the death meets the criteria for review, the results are brought to the CFRP panel by the coroner/medical examiner.

If the Death is not Reviewable

The coroner/medical examiner completes the Data Form 1. The coroner/medical examiner sends the form to the chairperson of the CFRP panel for co-signature. The chairperson sends the Data Form 1 to STAT within 48 hours of the death.

The regional coordinator reviews the Data Form 1 for accuracy and completeness, and signs the Data Form. STAT links the Data Form 1 to the Department of Health birth and death data.

If the Death is Reviewable

The coroner/medical examiner sends the Data Form 1 to the chairperson of the CFRP panel for co-signature. The chairperson sends the Data Form 1 to the regional coordinator within 48 hours. The chairperson refers the death to the CFRP panel. (The panel is to be notified within 24 hours.)

The chairperson schedules the panel meeting as soon as possible. The panel reviews the circumstances surrounding the death and takes appropriate actions. The Data Form 2 is completed, signed by the chairperson and sent to STAT within 60 days.

The regional coordinator reviews the Data Form 2 for accuracy and completeness, and signs Data Form 2. STAT links Data Forms 1 and 2 to Department of Health birth and death data. Panel members pursue the mandates of their respective agencies.