NCJ Number
166620
Date Published
1994
Length
0 pages
Annotation
In focusing on a multi-agency approach to the development and operation of child death review teams (CDRT's), this videotape of examines the roles played by pediatrics, pathology, prosecution, public health, and law enforcement on these teams.
Abstract
The role of pediatricians on CDRT's is discussed in terms of speaking for and protecting the child, the treatment of both symptoms and causes of child injury and abuse, the importance of education and better diagnosis in child abuse cases, participation by pediatricians in death investigations, family support, and child abuse training for pediatricians. The need for pediatricians to be aware of family violence, suicide, drug, and gang issues is also considered. The role of pathologists on CDRT's is addressed in relation to the link between pediatric pathology and epidemiology, death prevention, observations at the death scene, hospital-based versus locally based CDRT's, and the distinction between death investigations and death reviews. The role of prosecutors on CDRT's is explored in terms of the actual CDRT process, benefits of having a prosecutor on the CDRT, benefits of the CDRT for prosecutors, and the importance of educating professionals that the criminal justice system can be used for child abuse prevention. Major responsibilities of public health professionals in CDRT's are identified as surveillance, intervention, prevention, and education. The discussion of public health also notes the role of the Colorado Department of Health in CDRT's and changes resulting from the implementation of CDRT's in Colorado. Two brief interviews included in the videotape concern fatal child abuse and neglect and the availability of police training technology via television.