Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries

The Child Death Review study provided an overview of all child deaths occurring between 1 January and 31 December 2006 from 28 days to 18 years in the South West, West Midlands and North East of England and in Wales and Northern Ireland.

A protocol and core data set for the Child Death Review were developed by a project working group which included lead clinicians from each of the participating regions.

Core data on all child deaths identified in these regions was collected and detailed local multidisciplinary reviews were held on a sample of 150 of these deaths with a focus on identifying preventable and avoidable factors. It was envisaged that this project would build a foundation for further confidential enquiry work on children, provide lessons on the conduct of reviews of child deaths and identify important areas to consider in reducing avoidable deaths of children.  

The work was also used to inform the development of a minimum data set for use by Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) when they work up their child death review functions in April 2008.

The final CEMACH report on the child death review can be downloaded for free from our publications page.

Children's participation

Following recommendations from the Patient Information Advisory Group (PIAG), CEMACH commissioned the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) to undertake a consultation exercise with young people between the ages of 14-18 to discuss the ethical issues and sensitivities associated with the collection of information about children that die specifically within this age group.  These consultations took place at 2 locations within the London area in February 2006.  
The young people involved in these consultations were able to identify CEMACH’s work as valuable and highlighted the significant educational and preventative impact this could have on children’s lives.  There was consensus among both groups that “the benefits of collecting data in this way would always outweigh the sensitivities, as it can prevent similar situations happening again”.

Please click here to download a copy of the full NCB Report on the participation of young people in this project.  

For further information on these projects, please contact Gale Pearson or Rosie Houston on 020 7486 1191

Please click here to read an *IMPORTANT ERRATA* in relation to the 'Why Children Die: A pilot study' (2006) report.

The full report 'Why Children Die: A pilot study (2006) is available to purchase or download for free from our publications page. 

Child Death Review Core Dataset Collection Form

Please note that the dataset form you will find below should not be used for implementation of LSCB responsibilities under "Working Together to Safeguard Children" as from 1 April 2008.  The dataset has been modified for this purpose and the new versions are available from the Department for Children, Schools and Families website - please click here to be taken to these forms. Please contact your LSCB for information regarding the review of child deaths in your area.