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For Immediate
Release
5/8/08
Contact:
Brian Grove
(717) 787-7428
Senate Approves Baker Bill to Improve Review of
Child Deaths
Better reviews
could prevent fatalities and aid investigators.
Dallas – The state Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa
Baker aimed at increasing child safety in Pennsylvania. The bill would
implement a child death review program to coordinate local teams to examine the
circumstances surrounding deaths of individuals under the age of 21.
Through the program, the Department of Health would be responsible for
developing protocols for child death reviews, coordinating the collection of
data, and providing specialized training. Information regarding the frequency
and causes of child injury and death, as well as prevention strategies, would be
offered to agencies, health and child care professionals, and the general
public.
“Although there are volunteer child review teams across Pennsylvania, our
state is one of only four in the entire country without a formal program,” Baker
said. “These comprehensive evaluations can assist us in taking action to
prevent future deaths, help with investigations and prosecutions, and protect
siblings and other children in homes where a death was found to be criminal.”
The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Additional Information:
Health Care
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