Who We Are

Mission

Safeguard the health and safety of all Delaware children as set forth in 31 Del. C. c. 3.

Commission:

The Commission Members are either designated by position as outlined in the statute or are appointed by the Governor.

Key Objectives

• Review in a confidential manner, the deaths of children under the age of 18 and stillbirths occurring after at least 20 weeks of gestation.
• Provide the Governor, General Assembly and the community with recommendations to alleviate those practices or conditions that impact the mortality of children.
• Assist in facilitating appropriate action in response to recommendations.

Program Description

Administration

Delaware's child death review process was statutorily established on July 19, 1995, after a pilot project showed the effectiveness of such a review process for preventing future child deaths. The Child death review commission (CDRC) has the authority to create up to three regional child death review panels, three regional Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) teams and a maternal mortality review team to conduct retrospective reviews of all child deaths, and maternal deaths that occur in the state. The process brings professionals and experts from a variety of disciplines together to conduct retrospective case reviews, create multi-faceted recommendations to improve systems and encourage interagency collaboration to end the mortality of children in Delaware.

In 2004, the scope of infant review was broadened to include fetal and infant deaths from 27 weeks gestation to 20 weeks gestation. In FY05, the Commission worked in collaboration with the Division of Public Health (DPH) to implement a Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) pilot project under the leadership of the Governor's Infant Mortality Task Force. In FY06, FIMR's budgetary positions were placed with the Commission. These three positions include a registered nurse III (FIMR Program coordinator), senior medical social worker, and an administrative specialist.

The most significant accomplishment for FY07 was the full implementation of the Fetal Infant Mortality Review Process. During FY08, the Commission's statute was amended to include Maternal Death Review. On September 10, 2015, the Governor signed legislation to transfer the child abuse/neglect panel to the Child Protection Accountability Commission.

Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to volunteer to make a difference for maternal and child health in Delaware? Please submit the volunteer application form to be considered. Please note that the various fatality reviews have different criteria for volunteer selection and these reviews are closed to the public. You will receive an answer within 30 days of submitting your application.

Location and Staff

Child Death Review Commission (CDRC)
900 King Street, Suite 220
Wilmington, DE 19801
Main number: 302-255-1760
Fax number: 302-577-1129
SLC: N220A
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