(a) Identifying local and state issues related to preventable child fatalities; and

(b) Promoting implementation of recommendations at the county level.

(2) In establishing the review process and carrying out reviews, the child fatality review team shall be assisted by the county medical examiner or local health officer as well as other professionals who are specially trained in areas relevant to the purpose of the team.

(3) The categories of fatalities reviewed by the child fatality review team include:

(a) Child fatalities in which child abuse or neglect may have occurred at any time prior to death or may have been a factor in the fatality;

(b) Any category established by the county child abuse multidisciplinary team;

(c) All child fatalities where the child is less than 18 years of age and there is an autopsy performed by the medical examiner; and

(d) Any specific cases recommended for local review by the statewide interdisciplinary team established under ORS 418.748.

(4) A child fatality review team shall develop a written protocol for review of child fatalities. The protocol shall be designed to facilitate communication and the exchange of information between persons who perform autopsies and those professionals and agencies concerned with the prevention, investigation and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

(5) Within the guidelines, and in a format, established by the statewide interdisciplinary team established under ORS 418.748, the child fatality review team shall provide the statewide interdisciplinary team with information regarding the categories of child fatalities described under subsection (3) of this section.

(6) Upon the conclusion of a criminal case involving a child fatality, or upon the conclusion of a direct appeal if one is taken, the district attorney may submit a letter to the Governor and the Director of Human Services outlining recommendations for the systemic improvement of child abuse investigations. [2005 c.562 §20; 2007 c.674 §8; 2015 c.736 §64; 2019 c.141 §19]

Note: See note under 418.746.