The importance of child and youth death review

Question 1

What is CDR?

Answer 1

Th purpose of CDR is “to conduct a comprehensive, multidisciplinary review of child deaths, to better understand how and why children die”.

Question 2

What are the objectives of CDR?

Answer 2

1. The accurate identification and uniform, consistent reporting of the cause and manner of every child or youth death.
2. Improved communication and linkages among local and provincial/territorial agencies, with better coordination of efforts.
3. Improved agency responses when investigating child or youth deaths.
4. Improved agency responses in protecting siblings and others in homes where a child or youth has died.
5. Improved criminal investigation and prosecution of child or youth homicides.
6. Better delivery of services to children and youth, families, care providers and community members.
7. To identify specific barriers and systemic issues involved in the death of children and youth.
8. To identify significant risk factors and trends in child or youth deaths.
9. To identify and advocate for needed changes in legislation, policy and practices, and expand preventive health and safety efforts.
10. Increase public awareness of and advocacy for societal issues affecting the health and safety of children and youth.

Question 3

What are the potential outcomes of CDR?

Answer 3

Determine modifiable risk factors or recurrent systemic issues and prevent child death

Question 4

Which jurisdictions in Canada have CDR?

Answer 4

1. Provincially funded under the provincial chief coroners: BC, Ont
2. Manitoba: multiple, not standardized
3. Alberta all deaths reviewed <18yo
4. All jurisdictions review deaths for children in care or receiving services from child welfare agency

Question 5

What are examples of child safety and injury prevention actions resulting from CDR?

Answer 5

1. Creation of Cribs for Kids programs to obtain cribs for families in need.
2. Public education on safe sleep and safe sleep media campaigns.
3. Stronger policies and training for health care providers on reporting child abuse and neglect.
4. Suicide prevention incorporated into teacher in-service education
5. Tougher penalties for drunk drivers.
6. Support for smoke detector installation programs.
7. Prescription drug round-ups to facilitate safer disposal of medications.
8. Improved death scene investigation protocols and training for investigators.
9. Folic acid awareness programs.
10. Water safety initiatives such as pool fencing ordinances, swimming lessons for children from low-income families and providing lifeguards at public beaches.

Question 6

What should CDR have?

Answer 6

1. Broad representation on the team
2. Structured processes
3. Linkable databases
4. An evaluative mechanism
5. Designated financial support from all levels of government