Child Death Overview Panel

As of 1st April 2008 all LSCBs have arrangements in place to respond to and review child deaths in their borough, as outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006, Chapter 7.  The arrangements include:

• 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 (par. 7.18-7.49); and
  
  
• An overview of all child deaths (under 18 years, excluding those babies who are stillborn) in the LSCB area undertaken by a panel (par. 7.50-7.56)

The overall principles are that in all cases enquiries should be made to understand the reasons for the child’s death, address possible needs of the other children in the household and other members of the family and also, consider any lessons to be learnt about how best to safeguard and promote the children’s welfare in the future. 

Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham LSCBs established the joint CDOP to meet functions set out in Working Together.