The Massachusetts Child Fatality Review (CFR) program seeks to reduce preventable child fatalities and near fatalities through collaboration among local and state teams. Local teams, composed of multidisciplinary members, analyze child deaths under 18 years old and submit their findings to the state team, which contextualizes the data and formulates policy recommendations. The annual report, compliant with M.G.L. Chapter 38 2A, highlights a concerning increase in child fatalities since 2020, particularly among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It emphasizes the need for enhanced collaboration among state agencies and outlines recommendations for improving caregiver awareness, resource access, and emergency preparedness to address the rising fatality rates.

The bill also introduces new legal language to improve the understanding and tracking of child mortality data, including specific tables detailing leading causes of death by age group and demographic factors. It addresses the issue of wandering behavior in children with ASD, proposing a multi-tiered approach to reduce risks associated with wandering, such as drowning. The bill emphasizes the importance of caregiver education, home modifications, and early intervention services. Additionally, it suggests establishing Autism Support Centers and implementing models like the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program to streamline care coordination for families. Overall, the bill aims to enhance support for children with ASD and their families, improve safety measures, and reduce child fatalities.