Child fatality review teams (CFRTs) have existed since the 1970s; yet, a comprehensive understanding of their procedures, practices, and outcomes is lacking. This article addresses that gap in this study of CFRT state statutes. Findings indicate CFRT laws address nine areas of practice, from team composition, to purpose, to outcomes. Results also…

Objective: This study examines the incidence and other epidemiological and medico-legal characteristics of child homicide in the territory of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all autopsies carried out at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Belgrade during a 15 year period between 1991 and 2005,…

Objectives: To accurately count the number of infant maltreatment-related fatalities and to use information from the birth certificates to predict infant maltreatment-related deaths. Methods: A population-based retrospective cohort study of infants born in Alaska for the years 1992 through 2005 was conducted. Risk factor variables were ascertained…

The fatality rate subsequent to reported abuse was analyzed for 11,085 children reported to the Washington child abuse registry. Compared to nonabused children, reported children had an almost threefold greater risk of death. Physical abuse carried the greatest risk of subsequent death, with relative risks also elevated for neglected or sexually…

Summarizes evidence supporting and refuting myths and common beliefs about alcohol abuse among American Indians. Discusses the prevalence of drinking and alcoholism among Indians, alcohol metabolism, drinking styles, alcohol-related deaths, uncritical use of statistics, alcohol-related child abuse and neglect, sex differences, fetal alcohol…

Analysis of 92 cases of fatally assaulted and 393 cases of intentionally injured children in New Zealand indicates that fatal child abuse is substantially underdiagnosed in official sources of mortality data and that there is an association between the race of the victim and whether the intentional injury is labeled child abuse. (Author/JDD)

Examined the mortality rate in a one-year cohort of children with child welfare status in Alberta. Found the rate to be significantly elevated compared to children not in care. Neglected and abused children were apt to have died violently, while handicapped children were more likely to have died because of disease or infirmity. (HTH)

The alarming number of children killed and seriously injured as a result of child maltreatment and neglect has led to increased calls for action. In response, interdisciplinary and multiagency child death review teams have emerged as an important component of child protection. Paradoxically, child death review teams are among the least visible and…

A study compared the health care costs, severity of illness (SI), and mortality of child abuse cases (n=13) with other admissions (n=924) in a pediatric intensive care unit. The child abuse patients were younger, had a higher SI, had greater hospitalization charges, and a higher mortality rate than others. (Author/CR)

Investigated whether maltreated, substance-exposed infants have higher risk of out-of-home placement than non-abused, substance-exposed children, as well as a higher risk of death than children overall. Followed 480 infants through Illinois death registry and computerized central registry of child abuse reports. Found out-of-home placement and…

Examines sources of national data on child abuse, the number of cases reported, and recent trends. The author addresses the issues of substantiation rates and the various categories of abuse, then provides brief examinations of the characteristics of the victims of abuse and of child fatalities related to maltreatment. (GLR)

Discusses the effect that fetal exposure to cocaine and other drugs is having on infants and small children. Disputes the most widely cited estimate of the numbers of crack babies. Calls for restructuring foster care, group home placement, adoption, and general social welfare provision. Termination of parental rights is difficult but probably…