Justice and Public Safety
May 8, 2015
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 a report to the Minister of Justice and Public Safety on March 11, 2015. The report examines the facts and circumstances surrounding four unrelated deaths of children in Newfoundland and Labrador over the past several months.
Case 1:
An infant died as a result of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Recommendations:
1. The Child Death Review Committee monitor trends in deaths by SIDS to determine trends and potential risk factors.
2. Child, Youth and Family Services (CYFS) and Public Health review the processes for identifying SIDS risk factors and screen families who are considered to be at a higher risk, and provide educational and supportive services aimed towards prevention.
Case 2:
An infant died as a result of SIDS.
Recommendation:
1. CYFS initiate collaboration with Community Health and the Innu to explore a culturally-sensitive education campaign to increase community awareness of SIDS risk factors and safe sleeping arrangements.
Case 3:
A child died as a result of asthma.
Recommendations:
1. Children in the care of CYFS who reach the age of 16 and elect to sign out of care, should have an assessment of their ability to care for themselves as part of the transition preparation that are outlined in the CYFS policy.
2. A safety and supervision plan should be developed for those children who have challenges that are likely to impact their safety.
3. A new guardian must be made aware of the child's capabilities and needs, including need for ongoing medical care, and be able to provide the necessary supervision.
Case 4:
A child died as a result of acute carbon monoxide poisoning.
Recommendation:
1. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development initiate a school program to be delivered to high school students regarding the dangers of exposure to carbon monoxide.
This report has been forwarded to the Child and Youth Advocate.
- 30 -
Media contact:
| Luke Joyce
Director of Communications Department of Justice and Public Safety 709-729-6985, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca |
2015 05 08 1:35 p.m.