Child Death Review (CDR) is the process to be followed when responding to, investigating, and reviewing the death of any child under the age of 18, from any cause. It runs from the moment of a child’s death to the completion of the review by the Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP). The process is designed to capture the expertise and thoughts of all individuals who have interacted with the case to identify changes that could save the lives of children.
The death of a child is a devastating loss that profoundly affects bereaved parents as well as siblings, grandparents, extended family, friends, and professionals who were involved in caring for the child in any capacity. Families experiencing such a tragedy should be met with empathy and compassion. They need clear and sensitive communication. They also need to understand what happened to their child and know that people will learn from what happened. The process of expertly reviewing all children’s deaths is grounded in deep respect for the rights of children and their families, with the intention of preventing future child deaths.
In line with statutory guidance in Working Together 2023 and the Child Death Review Statutory and Operational Guidance, the responsibilities for child deaths fall to a partnership of the local authority and NHS Integrated Care Boards.
The arrangements for responding to child deaths in Surrey and Sussex, are designed to ensure compliance with the guidance and deliver strong and effective partnership arrangements.
Notifications of Child Deaths
Surrey
If you are a professional notifying us of the death of a child who has either died in, or usually resides in, Surrey, notifications should be made via our online form on the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership website.
This should be completed within 24 hours, or as soon as practicably possible. Please ensure this is completed in full with all relevant and available information.
Child Deaths Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership
Sussex
If you are a professional notifying us of the death of a child who has either died in, or usually resides in, Sussex, notifications should be made via our online eCDOP portal.
This should be completed within 24 hours, or as soon as practicably possible. Please ensure this is completed in full with all relevant and available information.