The bill amends Section 42-73-2.3 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-73, titled "Child Advocate Office," to establish a formal process for reviewing child fatalities and near fatalities. It mandates that the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) notify the Office of the Child Advocate within 48 hours of a confirmed child fatality or near fatality involving a DCYF case. The Child Advocate, in collaboration with a voluntary and confidential child fatality review panel, will assess cases involving children under 21 years of age under specific circumstances, such as when the child was in custody of the department or if there were prior allegations of abuse or neglect.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for DCYF to implement recommendations from the child fatality review panel within six months and to report back to the Child Advocate, the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, and the Governor on the actions taken in response to these recommendations. The reports detailing the measures implemented must be completed within three months of the actions taken. The bill aims to enhance accountability and improve child safety by ensuring timely responses to recommendations made following child fatality reviews.

Statutes affected:
5377: 42-73-2.3