Child Death Review Panel discusses CPS history and infant mortality rates

The Harrison County Blue Ribbon Committee convened on April 11, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding child safety and welfare, particularly focusing on child fatalities linked to Child Protective Services (CPS) history. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to gathering data on the number of children with CPS involvement who have died in the past three years.

Committee members expressed concern over the lack of real-time data regarding child deaths, particularly those involving infants under the age of one. They highlighted the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding these fatalities, especially in cases of co-sleeping, which has been identified as a major risk factor. The committee noted that in 2024 alone, there were 14 infant deaths attributed to various causes, including two related to child abuse and others linked to unsafe sleeping practices.

The discussion also touched on the processes of child death reviews, with members noting that while local reviews occur monthly, state-level reviews are conducted quarterly and may not reflect the most current data. The committee plans to reach out to Dr. Henderson, who oversees the child death review process, to obtain more comprehensive information.

As the meeting concluded, members agreed on the necessity of formulating precise questions for Miss Sanders, who will be consulted in a future working session. The goal is to clarify the number of children under CPS purview who have died, ensuring that the committee can address these critical issues effectively in their ongoing efforts to improve child welfare in Harrison County.