Child Fatality and Near Fatality Investigations

Sherry Rock, Child Fatality Specialist

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I. What the data is showing:

Victims-

  • 76% are 3 years of age and younger
  • 80% were Caucasian
  • Physical abuse is most lethal form of abuse/neglect- of all subbed physical abuse reports 4% result in child fatality or near fatality

Perpetrators-

  • 78% of perps are one or both parents
  • 71% of cases involve substances
  • median age of caregivers female- 25 yrs; males- 32 yrs

Risk Factors

  • serial relationships
  • more adults in the home at the time of incident
  • mental health issues
  • more siblings in the home at the time of incident

II. Investigation procedures- special notes:

  • These cases are somewhat more comprehensive than other investigations of child abuse or neglect and always have a medical component.
  • Each region has a fatality/near fatality regional contact who handles the assignment and review of these cases.
  • Policy governing this program is SOP chapter 7 H. Make sure to notify central office, get all medical records available and secure the records both in TWIST and hard copy.
  • If there is a question regarding if the allegation meets acceptance criteria, accept a case as a law enforcement assist- coroner is a peace officer KRS 72.415- which allows for this action. This allows you to conduct interviews during this process.
  • All fatality/near fatality cases that meet acceptance criteria are completed as investigations NOT family in need of services assessment (finsa).
  • Resources- Child fatality specialist and child fatality nurse dedicated to this program at (502) 564-6852.

III. Taking care during a traumatic experience:

Everyone who is in any way involved with a disaster or traumatic event may experience trauma reactions. You might experience these reactions during a fatality and near fatality investigation or if you have worked with a family who is experiencing a fatality or near fatality. Not everyone experiences the same set of responses to trauma, but people typically experience reactions that fall into four basic categories. Here are some reactions that you may be experiencing:

  • Heightened anxiety or fear
  • Irritability, restlessness, or over excitability
  • Feelings of sadness, moodiness
  • Crying more than usual
  • Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
  • Anger
  • Intrusive thoughts or images of the event
  • Distressing dreams or nightmares
  • Wanting someone to “pay” for the event
  • Feelings of estrangement or isolation fromothers

You may recognize yourself as experiencing some of the above reactions. Remember that your response is normal. Immediately following a traumatic event you will probably feel disrupted, dazed, and somewhat overwhelmed. You will notice that you are not behaving as you typically would. It is important to take care of yourself as best you can.Resources to de-brief your experiences are available through:

KEAP at 1-888-445-5327 or TheCrisis Response Board 888-522-7228.