The death of any child is a tragedy and, unfortunately, far too often it is a preventable tragedy. For that reason, a review team is formed whenever there is a child fatality or near fatality to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. These review teams perform incredibly important work, and the reports they compile are invaluable as legislators consider policy changes aimed at protecting children. Despite the importance of their work, current law does not require these teams to include certain professionals and specialists who could provide additional insight.
 
For that reason, we intend to introduce legislation that would expand the membership of child fatality and near fatality review teams. Review teams would be required to include additional experts, as well as professionals who are or were familiar with the child in question. The chairperson of the review team would retain the authority to appoint additional experts with specialized knowledge relevant to a particular case.
 
Expanding the membership of child fatality and near fatality review teams will provide a broader scope of analysis and help identify gaps in systems and services that may have contributed to a child fatality or near fatality. By bringing additional expertise to these reviews, we can strengthen our efforts to prevent future tragedies and better protect Pennsylvania’s children.

Please join us in this effort by co-sponsoring this important legislation.