Child Death Review Process
'Chapter 7' of Working Together to Safeguard Children sets out the procedures to be followed when a
child dies. There are two interrelated processes for reviewing child deaths (either of which can trigger a
serious case review):
1. a rapid response by a group of key professionals who come together for the
purpose of enquiring into and evaluating each unexpected death of a child
2. and an overview of all child deaths (under 18 years) in the local safeguarding
children board (LSCB) area(s), undertaken by a panel.
Child death overview panels (CDOPs) are responsible for reviewing information on all child deaths, and
are accountable to the LSCB Chair. CDOPs may serve more than one LSCB. Child death review
processes became mandatory in April 2008, though LSCBs have been able to implement these
functions since April 2006.
Working Together to Safeguard Children (March 2010)
This revised document was published on 17 March 2010 and includes a revised 'Chapter 7' on child
death review processes.
The child death review: A guide for parents and carers A leaflet which can be given to parents, carers and family members to explain the child death review
process is available to order from DCSF Publications, tel. 0845 60 222 60. Please quote reference:
00180-2010LEF-EN.
Child Death Review Processes: LA children's services funding 2008–11