Child Death Review Team
Child Death Review Team is a multi-agency initiative helping to understand the causes and trends in child and adolescent homicides, suicides, accidental deaths and undetermined deaths.
The Los Angeles County Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN) Child Death Review Team convenes on a monthly basis to conduct in-depth analyses of child fatalities that occur within the county. This multidisciplinary team brings together experts from law enforcement, child welfare, healthcare, public health, the legal system, and other key sectors to examine the circumstances surrounding each child’s death. The team’s mission is to identify systemic gaps, risk factors, and opportunities for intervention that could prevent future tragedies.
Many of the cases reviewed by the ICAN Team involve deeply distressing and violent deaths of very young children, often under the age of five. Tragically, in numerous instances, the individuals responsible for the child’s well-being—such as parents or caregivers—are found to be the very ones responsible for the abuse or neglect that led to the child’s death. These cases not only reflect the most devastating outcomes of child maltreatment, but also underscore the critical importance of early detection, coordinated intervention, and support for at-risk families.
Beyond abuse and neglect, the team also evaluates other types of fatalities that point to broader safety issues, including unsafe sleep environments, dangerous consumer products, and preventable accidents. These cases serve as a catalyst for enhanced child safety initiatives, product regulation advocacy, and public health education campaigns. The comprehensive review process allows the team to identify patterns and emerging threats, leading to data-informed recommendations that can influence policy and practice at both local and statewide levels.
The emotional weight of these reviews—marked by sadness, frustration, and a sense of urgency—fuels the team’s commitment to meaningful change. While the process is often painful, it is precisely this emotional response, coupled with a systematic and evidence-based approach, that drives the team to take action. By learning from each child’s story, the ICAN Child Death Review Team plays a vital role in shaping preventive strategies, raising public awareness, and ultimately working to safeguard the lives of children across Los Angeles County.
