Justice and Public Safety
January 14, 2016
Public Advisory: Child Death Review Committee Case Reviews
Under section 13.5 of the Fatalities Investigations Act, the Minister of Justice and Public Safety is required, within 60 days after receiving a report from the Child Death Review Committee (CDRC), to make public those recommendations relating to:
- Relevant protocols, policies and procedures;
- Standards and legislation;
- Linkages and coordination of services; and
- Improvements to services affecting children and pregnant women.
The CDRC forwarded two reports to the Minister of Justice and Public Safety on December 4, 2015. The reports examine the facts and circumstances surrounding two unrelated deaths of youth in Newfoundland and Labrador that occurred in September 2014 and February 2015.
Case 1:
A youth died suddenly while living in residence at Memorial University.
Recommendation:
Memorial University of Newfoundland review policy and establish protocol related to entering residence rooms when there are concerns about the health, safety and well-being of a student.
Case 2:
A youth died of hypothermia.
Recommendations:
- CYFS to develop a transition program for youth as they leave care (suggest one-year in duration), in which youth are provided with support and mentoring.
- CYFS to collaborate with the Innu health and social services programs in the development of this program for Innu youth.
This report has been forwarded to the Child and Youth Advocate.
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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca
2016 01 14 10:35 a.m.