Child Death Review

From the 1 April 2008 each LSCB will have functions relating to child deaths.

They become compulsory in 2008 but LSCB's can undertake these duties from 1st April 2006.

The child death functions include

  • Collecting and analysing information about the deaths of all children, with a view to identifying:
    • Any matters of concern affecting the safety and welfare of children in the area of the authority, including any cases giving rise to the need for a serious case review
    • Any general public health or safety concerns arising from the deaths of children.

Putting in place procedures for ensuring that there is a co-ordinated response by the authority, their Board partners and other relevant persons to an unexpected death of a child.

The SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death of an Infant) Protocol has been adopted in Walsall, relating to the deaths of children under 2 years of age.

Further development work is being undertaken to progress this to a comprehensive child death review process.