Modifications to the Child Fatality Prevention Act
Summary
House Bill 1088 proposes modifications to the existing Child Fatality Prevention Act in Colorado. The bill seeks to streamline the processes surrounding the review of child fatalities related to various causes, including child abuse, neglect, and other accidental deaths. One of the significant changes includes the repeal of the requirement for local or regional review teams to assess child fatalities caused by motor vehicle incidents, which could simplify the review process but may also reduce the comprehensiveness of the data collected on child fatalities.
Additionally, HB1088 mandates that local or regional review teams be appointed by the board of county commissioners, potentially enhancing local governance involvement in decisions affecting community child welfare. The bill also changes the protocol regarding communication with parents or guardians of deceased children. In its revised form, it requires that parents be given written notice about a review, the opportunity to be heard, and access to legal representation, ensuring that families have a role in the review processes concerning their child’s death.
Despite its intent to promote transparency and inclusivity, the bill's changes have sparked contention. Critics argue that limiting the scope of the reviews and the repeal of certain requirements could lead to gaps in understanding the circumstances surrounding child fatalities. There are concerns that vital data, particularly from motor vehicle incidents, might be overlooked, potentially stunting the development of preventative measures that could save lives.
The implications of HB1088 on local laws center primarily on the powers of local review teams and how reviews of children's fatalities will be conducted moving forward. By altering who appoints members to these teams and changing the requirements for reviews, the bill inherently shifts the responsibility of child welfare oversight more toward local governance. However, this also raises potential questions about the consistency and quality of reviews across different counties, as the appointment process may vary widely depending on local commissioners’ practices.
Membership and requirements for child mortality review panel modified, review process for child fatalities and near fatalities related to maltreatment modified, Department of Human Services child systemic critical incident review team requirements modified, and critical incident public information portal established.