Child Death Review (CDR) & Prevention

In Washington State, on average 720 children die each year. Hundreds of deaths are preventable by using statewide and local prevention strategies. By participating in Child Death Review and Prevention, Washington State Department of Health, local health jurisdictions, and other partners contribute to this important prevention work.

Child Death Review (CDR) & Prevention is a process used to prevent injury and death by:

  • Identifying circumstances leading to children's deaths.
  • Collecting and reporting accurate and uniform information.
  • Improving interagency coordination around children's health and safety.
  • Identifying and implementing systems, policy and environmental changes to prevent children's death.

Local Child Death Review (CDR) & Prevention teams review deaths of children, under the age of 18, who have unexpectedly lost their lives. Teams identify preventable circumstances in these deaths and consider strategies to improve health and safety for all children. Experts from many backgrounds – local public health, health care, social services, and law enforcement - serve on local teams.

State law (RCW 70.05.170) authorizes Local Health Jurisdictions to conduct child death reviews so that "preventable causes of child mortality" can be identified and addressed. Local Health Jurisdictions are not required to conduct child death reviews.

The National Center for the Review and Prevention of Child Deaths has developed A Program Manual for Child Death Review (PDF) to assist state and local staff.

Assessment and Program Coordinator Telephone: 360-236-3748