Child Fatality Review Committee
The Child Fatality Review Committee is comprised of representatives from the Medical Examiner's Office, the clinical medical community, law enforcement and prosecution, child welfare services, emergency medical personnel and the local Child Abuse Prevention Committee. The Child Death Review Committee meets monthly to review sudden unexpected deaths of all children under 18 which fall under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner. The San Diego Child Fatality Review Committee (CFRC) was established in 1982, and was the second Child Fatality Committee established in the country. From 2001 to 2005, the Committee reviewed 357 cases. Of the 357 child fatalities that were reviewed, 36 of those were out-of-San Diego County residents.
Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team
The County of San Diego Board of Supervisors established the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team (DVFRT) in October 1996. The team is made up of dedicated representatives from organizations including the Medical Examiners Office who work tirelessly to support individuals and families affected by domestic violence. The DVFRT was created to prevent deaths attributable to intimate partner violence through an in-depth cross-disciplinary review process focused on improving the systems and services that provide protection and support to those affected by intimate partner violence. Over the past 10 years, the team has met monthly and completed in-depth reviews of over 90 domestic violence fatality cases.
During recent years greater attention has also been given during the review process to the children and teens who have been affected by the violence and fatalities reflected in the findings of the report. Critical lethality factors are also highlighted, from both the individual level as well as the relationship level. This is a particularly important section of the report for all who provide services to individuals and families - experiencing domestic violence, and should be used to inform and educate those at risk as well as the community at large.
Elder Death Review Team
The Elder Death Review Team is a County wide group made up of representatives from the District Attorney's Office, the Medical Examiner's Office, San Diego Sheriff's Office, and the Aging and Independence Services Office. Its task is to review elder deaths in San Diego County, and its goal is to reduce the number of deaths that occur as a result of physical abuse, neglect, or self-neglect.
Through their work, they intend to promote policy changes in government and private agencies where necessary, identify gaps in and barriers to service to the victims prior to death, increase public awareness, and have a positive impact on the safety and health of San Diego County residents.
Other Participation
Our office also participates in several local Trauma meetings as well as a County wide trauma monitoring system.
Rady Children's Hospital Trauma Mortality and Morbidity (M&M) Conference
Sharp Memorial Hospital Trauma M&M Conference
MAC (Medical Audit Committee) meeting of Trauma Centers (County Wide)
We also participate in the San Diego County Methamphetamine Strike Force and sit on the California SIDS Advisory Council.
