NCJ Number
120027
Journal
American Association for Protecting Children Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1989) Pages: 9-12
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
There is no defined procedure for multiagency interventions in child abuse fatalities.
Abstract
Many people treat child abuse death prevention as the sole responsibility of the child protective service agency. Several States have implemented multiagency intervention systems to review suspicious child deaths. Suspicious child death includes child abuse homicide, child abuse fatality, and other child deaths that are problematic but not clearly child abuse or a criminal act. A multiagency, multidisciplinary, case review team is necessary to bring order to intervention and prevention of such deaths. A basic working team must include at least five categories of professionals: coroner/medical examiner, law enforcement, prosecuting attorney, social services, and health. Data Management Information Systems are also necessary so that this case review and management system is predictable and effective.