Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel annual report calendar year 2006

GEORGIA CHILD FATALITY REVIEW PANEL
Calendar Year 2006
[insert state outline and seal here]

Edward Lukemire Chairperson

December 2008

Sonny Perdue Governor

GEORGIA CHILD FATALITY REVIEW PANEL
Annual Report Calendar Year 2006
Office of Child Fatality Review
55 Park Place, Suite 410 Atlanta, Georgia 30303
PhonPe:ho(n7e7: 0(4)045)2685-63-4928080 | FFaax:x(:40(47)7605)6-5522080-3989 Website:wwwww.gwac.gfr.adchrf.rg.edohrgria.g.geoov rgia.gov

Mission
The Mission of the Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel is to provide the highest quality child fatality data, training, technical assistance, investigative support services and resources to any entity dedicated to the well being and safety of children in order to prevent and reduce incidents of child abuse and fatality in the state. This mission is accomplished by promoting more accurate identification and reporting of child fatalities, evaluating the prevalence and circumstances of both child abuse and child fatalities, and developing and monitoring the statewide child injury prevention plan.
Acknowledgements
The Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel wishes to acknowledge those whose enormous commitment, dedication, and unwavering support to child fatality review have made this report possible. These include:
All the members who serve on each of the county child fatality review committees John Carter, Ph.D. Epidemiology Department of Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health Katherine Kahn, MPH, Department of Epidemiology, Evaluation, and Health Information, Georgia Department
of Human Resources Jimmy Clanton, Graphic Designer, Georgia Division of Public Health, Department of Human Resources All the other public and private agencies that have so willingly collaborated with this office and provided support
2 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

GEORGIA CHILD FATALITY REVIEW PANEL

MEMBERS

Chairperson Edward D. Lukemire Superior Court Judge, Houston Judicial Circuit

Mary Burns, M.D. Board Chair, Dept. of Human Resources 3
Gloria Butler Member, Georgia Senate1

Tom Rawlings Child Advocate for the Protection of Children3
Gwendolyn Skinner Director, Division of MHDDAD3

Melvin Everson Member, Georgia House of Representatives2

Kris Sperry, M.D. Chief Medical Examiner, GBI3

Nancy N. Fajman, M.D., Emory School of Medicine Child Abuse Prevention Advocate

Velma Tilley Judge, Bartow County Juvenile Court

S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D. Director, Division of Pubic Health3 Vanita Hullander Coroner, Catoosa County

Myra Tolbert



Board Chair, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council3

Mark Washington, Assistant Commissioner Division of Family & Children Services3

Vernon M. Keenan, Director

Vacant

Georgia Bureau of Investigation 3

Child Injury Prevention Advocate



J. David Miller, District Attorney

Vacant

Southern Judicial Circuit

Law Enforcement







STAFF

Donna Mungin Data Analyst

Eva Pattillo Executive Director

Rachelle Carnesale Investigation Team Director

Arleymah Raheem Prevention Specialist

Wende Parker Program Manager

Malaika Shakir Program Manager

The Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel is an appointed body of 17 representatives that oversees the county child fatality review process, reports to the governor annually on the incidence of child deaths, and recommends prevention measures based on the data. Two year appointments are made by the governor except as otherwise noted.
1 Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor 2 Appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives 3 Ex-Officio
2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 3

MEMO FROM JUDGE LUKEMIRE GOES HERE 4 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mission..................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Members................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Message from the Chair............................................................................................................................................ 4 List of Figures and Tables........................................................................................................................................ 6 Preface...................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................................. 9 Accomplishments and Recommendations................................................................................................................ 11 Information and Inconsistencies............................................................................................................................... 12 Child Fatality Investigation Program....................................................................................................................... 13 Prevention................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Child Deaths in Georgia........................................................................................................................................... 15
Summary of All Child Deaths..................................................................................................................... 16 All 2006 Reviewed Deaths.......................................................................................................................... 17 All Reviewed Medical................................................................................................................................. 18 Preventability............................................................................................................................................... 19 Child Abuse and Neglect............................................................................................................................. 21 Prior Agency Involvement........................................................................................................................... 25 Sleep-Related Infant Deaths........................................................................................................................ 26
SIDS and SUID.............................................................................................................................. 27 Asphyxia......................................................................................................................................... 31 Unintentional Injury-Related Deaths........................................................................................................... 33 Motor Vehicle-Related................................................................................................................... 34 Drowning........................................................................................................................................ 38 Fire-Related.................................................................................................................................... 41 Asphyxia......................................................................................................................................... 44 Intentional Injury-Related Deaths............................................................................................................... 45 Homicides....................................................................................................................................... 45 Suicides.......................................................................................................................................... 49 Firearm-Related Deaths............................................................................................................................... 52
Race, Ethnicity and Disproportionate Deaths.......................................................................................................... 55 History of Child Fatality Review............................................................................................................................. 57
Appendices............................................................................................................................................................... 59
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List of Figures and Tables
1. Preventability as Determined by Committees, 2006 Deaths 2. Deaths to Children Under Age 18 in Georgia - All Causes Based on Death Certificate, 2006 3. All Child Death Rates per 100,000 Children Age 0-17 by Race/Gender Categories, 2006 4. Leading Categories of Death by Age Group, Georgia, 2006 5. Causes of Death, All Reviewed Infant/Child Deaths, Georgia, 2006 6. Medical Deaths Reviewed by Review Criteria, 2006 7. Preventability, All Reviewed Infant/Child Deaths, Georgia, 2006 8. Preventability, All Causes, 2006 9. Preventability by Cause, Reviewed Deaths, 2006 10. Reviewed Deaths with Abuse/Neglect Findings, by Age, 2006 11. Causes of Death Among Reviewed Deaths with Abuse/Neglect Findings, 2006 12. Relationship of Perpetrator to Decedent in Reviewed Deaths with Abuse/Neglect Findings, 2006 13. Proportion of Deaths (NO Abuse/Neglect Identified) with Prior Agency Involvement, 2006 14. Proportion of Deaths (Abuse/Neglect Identified) with Prior Agency Involvement, 2006 15. Reviewed SIDS/SUID Deaths by Age in Months, 2006 16. Sleeping Position of Infants who Died of SIDS, 2006 17. Sleeping Position of Infants who Died of SUID, 2006 18. Location where Found for Infants who Died of SIDS, 2006 19. Location where Found for Infants who Died of SUID, 2006 20. Place of Death for Infants who Died of SIDS/SUID, 2006 21. Race/Gender Distribution of Reviewed SIDS and SUID Deaths, 2006 22. Reviewed Sleep-Related Infant Asphyxia Deaths, by Month of Age, 2006 23. Number of People Sleeping with Infant at Time of Death, 2006 24. Reviewed Unintentional Injury-Related Deaths by Cause, 2006 25. Reviewed Motor Vehicle-Related Deaths by Age, 2006 26. Reviewed Motor Vehicle-Related Deaths by Restraint Use and Age, 2006 27. Reviewed Motor Vehicle-Related Deaths by Race, Gender and Proportion, 2006 28. Motor Vehicle-Related Deaths by Position at Time of Injury, 2006 29. Reviewed Motor Vehicle-Related Deaths Involving Pedestrian Decedents by Age and Proportion, 2006 30. Motor Vehicle-Related Death Rates per 100,000 Teens Age 15-17, Three-Year Moving Average, 1994-2006 31. Reviewed Drowning Deaths by Age, 2006 32. Reviewed Drowning Deaths by Race, Gender and Proportion, 2006 33. Reviewed Deaths Due to Drowning in Natural Bodies of Water and Private Swimming Pools by Month of Occurrence,
2006 34. Drowning Death Rates per 100,000 Children Age 0-17, Three-Year Moving Average, 1994-2006 35. Reviewed Fire-Related Deaths by Age, 2006 36. Reviewed Fire-Related Deaths by Race, Gender and Proportion, 2006 37. Reviewed Fire-Related Deaths by Adequate Supervision and Proportion, 2006 38. Fire-Related Death Rates per 100,000 Children Age 0-17, Three-Year Moving Average, 1994-2006 39. Reviewed Asphyxia by Cause, 2006 40. Reviewed Homicide Deaths by Mechanism of Injury, 2006 41. Reviewed Homicide Deaths by Age, 2006 42. Race/Gender Proportion for Reviewed Homicide Deaths, 2006 43. Number of Infant Homicide Deaths with Perpetrator Identified, 2006 44. Number of 1-4 year old Homicide Deaths with Perpetrator Identified, 2006 45. Number of 15-17 year old Homicide Deaths with Perpetrator Identified, 2006 46. Reviewed Suicide Deaths by Method of Death, 2006 47. Reviewed Suicide Deaths by Age, 2006 48. Race/Gender Proportion for Reviewed Suicide Deaths, 2006 49. Number of Reviewed Suicide Deaths with Risk Factors Identified, 2006 50. Reviewed Firearm-Related Deaths by Race and Age, 2006
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51. Reviewed Firearm-Related Deaths by Intent, 2006 52. Reviewed Firearm-Related Deaths, Based on Location, 2006 53. Reviewed Firearm-Related Deaths by Type of Firearm, 2006 54. Deaths to Infants and Percent of Population in Georgia by Race and Gender, 2006 (Based on Death Certificates) 55. Deaths to Children 1-17 and Percent of Population in Georgia by Race and Gender, 2006 (Based on Death Certificates) 56. Hispanic Deaths by Age and Gender, 2006 Appendices A. Criteria for Child Death Reviews in Georgia B. Child Fatality Review Timeframes and Responsibilities C.1 Total Child Fatalities Based on Death Certificate, 2006 C.2 Total Reviewed Child Fatalities, 2006 C.3 Reviewed Child Fatalities with Abuse/Neglect Findings, 2006 C.4.A / C.4.B Preventability for Reviewed Deaths with Suspected or Confirmed Abuse or Neglect, 2006 D. Number of Reviewable Deaths, 2006 E. Child Fatality Reviews, By County, By Age Groups, 2006 F. Glossary of Terms
2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 7

Preface

Preface
An uncertain future awaits Georgians in these difficult economic times. There are constant news reports on job losses, personal savings losses, and budget cuts to public programs, in our state, and across the country. There is speculation that the current economic crisis could mirror the recession of the early 1980s. During that time, spending on children's programs suffered the most, with a 5.2% decrease in real total social welfare spending. Spending on children's programs has only slightly increased since that time, although the states have enjoyed several periods of growth and expansion.
States have primary oversight for children's welfare programs, not the federal government, which tends to make these programs more vulnerable to economic downturns. In a lean economy, many state program budgets are cut, leading to a greater number of children living in poverty. Spending on children's preventive health care, including health insurance, is frequently subjected to the instability of state budgets. Recent "across-the-board" funding cuts to critical safety net programs could lead to an increase in the number of children lacking the basic necessities of food, clothing, shelter, and preventive health care. While poverty and unemployment do not cause child maltreatment or neglect, the stress of living day to day under these conditions are risk factors for unhealthy pregnancies in women and for families not properly caring for their children. These are the times when children and families need more assistance, not less.
With so many families struggling just to provide food and keep their homes, how can we keep our focus on improving injury prevention and reducing child fatalities? A majority of child deaths in Georgia are the result of medical conditions. It is crucial to understand how to better protect children from preventable medical deaths while they go without medical coverage. A significant percentage of deaths occur among infants, so we must focus more of our attention on providing early and regular prenatal education to women, especially those who have difficulty accessing health care. We must also turn our attention to those direct service providers who work with pregnant women and families to ensure that they have the support and resources they need to continue delivering quality services in the community.
This year, the Office of Child Fatality Review has made significant changes to its structure in an effort to better serve the state. Through the addition of a Prevention Specialist, OCFR strengthens its efforts to provide dedicated support and guidance to communities developing local child fatality prevention projects. The merger of OCFR with the Office of the Child Advocate will facilitate a greater focus on research and program evaluation. A renewed sense of purpose among the CFR Panel brings a collaborative energy to the work of prevention. New partnerships with state and county-level agencies allow for OCFR to better understand the needs of families and children, and for communities to get more involved in the work of child fatality prevention.
It is not easy to find good news in this economic crisis about the future of children and families in Georgia, but we must persevere. These difficult times will bring out the best in all of us. The challenges that our state is facing will serve as a catalyst for people to get involved with the improvement of their communities especially those who might not have considered the possibility before. OCFR strives to improve data collection, identify gaps in service, and train local committees on death scene investigation and fatality response. We are finding ways to work together and share our limited resources, creatively building bridges and strengthening partnerships. Individuals are motivated to help, and OCFR is working with many other agencies and organizations to provide outlets for interested communities and individuals to get involved. This economic crisis will make all of us stronger and more efficient as we protect the lives of children and families across Georgia.
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Executive Summary

Executive Summary

The Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel (Panel) publishes an annual report chronicling the tragic, preventable deaths of children in Georgia. Child deaths are identified through death certificate data provided by the Office of Vital Records within the Division of Public Health. Local child fatality review committees review only those deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or unexplained ("eligible"), and complete a standardized form detailing the circumstances of the deaths. That information is compiled and used in the Panel's report. The Panel is charged with tracking the numbers and causes of child deaths as well as identifying and recommending prevention strategies that could reduce the number of child deaths.
This year, the Panel is providing a report detailing the circumstances of child deaths occurring in 2006. Considering aggregated child death data year to year is useful in revealing recurring patterns and indicating prevention gaps and opportunities. We encourage parents, communities, organizations, and policymakers to use these data to make life-saving decisions for children.
Key Findings Adjusted death certificate data from 2006 reported 1,825 child deaths in Georgia, of which 574 were reported as eligible for review. Child fatality review committees reviewed 459 (80%) of those deaths; however, the cause of death listed on death certificates and the cause of death determined by child fatality review committees sometimes differed due to cause of death coding systems for the death certificate data. Because child fatality review committees consider all aspects of the event to determine cause and manner of death, Vital Records sometimes uses the child fatality review data, which is believed to be more reliable, to adjust death certificate data in the state.
FATAL CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT Department of Family and Children Services reported that 64 children in Georgia died as a result of substantiated abuse or neglect in 2006. Those deaths were investigated by DFCS, and did not include deaths that were handled by law enforcement or the courts without DFCS involvement. Thirty-six children died as a result of inadequate supervision or of other forms of parental neglect, and another 28 children died from physical abuse. Of the 64 children, 40 had no current or prior history with Child Protective Services; 24 were from families that had been investigated at some time prior to the child's death.

Child fatality review committees determined that 116 child deaths resulted from both confirmed and suspected abuse/neglect (54 confirmed and 62 suspected). Children under the age of five accounted for 79% (92) of those abuse/ neglect related deaths. Perpetrators were identified in 73 of the 116 abuse/neglect related deaths, as well as relationship of the perpetrator to the child. More than one perpetrator was identified in 13 child abuse/neglect deaths. Fortynine percent (49%) of perpetrators in child abuse/neglect deaths were natural parents. Homicide was the cause of 26 confirmed abuse deaths.
NATURAL Death certificate data indicated a total of 1,393 children under the age of 18 died of natural causes (medical or SIDS). Infants accounted for the vast majority (1,115) of those deaths. The leading causes of infant deaths continued to be congenital anomalies, low birth weight, and prematurity. There were 150 SIDS deaths a 20% increase since 2005 (125).
Child fatality review committees reviewed 245 deaths from natural causes (medical or SIDS/SUID). One hundred sixty-three (163) of those deaths were reported as SIDS or SUID. (SUID Sudden Unexplained Infant Death - is a term used for a death that appears to be SIDS, but has other factors that could have contributed to the death.) Committees are required to review all SIDS/SUID deaths, as well as medical deaths that are unexpected or unattended by a physician. Medical deaths reviewed included conditions related to asthma, spinal, or heart-related complications.
UNKNOWN Death certificate data listed 51 child deaths that were determined to be of unknown cause. Thirty-one of those deaths were reported among infants. An unknown cause of death is reported on a death certificate when the information reported by the medical history and autopsy cannot conclusively determine what caused the death of the child.
Child fatality review committees reported 27 deaths due to unknown causes. Twelve of those deaths occurred among infants. An unknown cause of death is reported by review committees when the information gathered from the scene investigation, family circumstances, medical history and autopsy cannot conclusively determine what caused the death of the child.

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INJURIES Death certificate data listed 381 deaths to have resulted from known injuries, but nine of those deaths listed an unknown intent. Among infant deaths, there were 48 known injury deaths, including deaths from homicides, motor vehicles, and asphyxia. There were 333 deaths in children ages 1 17 resulting from injuries, either intentional (inflicted) or unintentional (accidental).
Unintentional Injuries Death certificate data indicated that 77% (258) of all injuries in the 1 17 year age group resulting in death were unintentional (excludes intentional, unknown intent and unknown cause). The three leading single causes of unintentional injury-related deaths in this age group were:
147 motor vehicle incidents 37 drowning incidents 19 fire incidents
There was a one percent decrease in the number of deaths caused by known unintentional injuries to this age group from 261 in 2005. Motor vehicle-related deaths decreased slightly (from 149 in 2005), while fire-related deaths increased (from 13 in 2005). The number of drowning deaths remained the same from 2005.

FIREARM DEATHS Death certificate data indicated firearms were used in 41 child deaths. Twenty-five (25) of those firearm-related deaths were ruled homicides, and eight were suicides. In addition, there were five unintentional firearm-related deaths and three with unknown intent.
Child fatality review committees reviewed 38 firearmrelated deaths. Eighty-seven percent (33) were intentional (23 homicides and 10 suicides). The type of firearm was identified in 35 of the 38 reviewed firearm-related deaths. Handguns were most frequently used (32 of the 35 deaths where type of firearm was identified).
PREVENTABILITY A primary function of the child fatality review process is to identify those deaths believed to be preventable. The issue of preventability was addressed in each of the 594 child deaths reviewed.
Child fatality review committees determined that 80% (476) of the 594 reviewed child deaths with preventability data were definitely or possibly preventable. Of the 116 reviewed abuse/neglect deaths, 112 were determined to be definitely or possibly preventable (97%).

There were 39 unintentional injury deaths to infants, and one injury death reported as unknown intent.
Child fatality review committees reviewed 213 deaths attributed to unintentional injuries among children age 1-17. Child fatality review data agreed with death certificate data on the three leading causes of death related to unintentional injury as seen below:
126 motor vehicle incidents 35 drowning incidents 19 fire incidents

AGENCY INVOLVEMENT Child fatality review committees reported that in 74 (64%) of the 116 child abuse/neglect related deaths, the child and/ or family had prior involvement with at least one state or local agency. Committees are also asked to determine which of the total deaths reviewed with agency involvement could have been prevented and 18 deaths were identified. While not all of those 18 deaths had findings that identified abuse or neglect, eight of the 18 did have an abuse/neglect determination ("confirmed abuse" for four and "suspected neglect" for four).

Intentional Injuries Death certificate data indicated 67 children age 1-17 died from injuries intentionally inflicted by themselves or by others. In 2006, there were 44 homicides and 23 suicides (similar to 2005 data, in which there were 44 homicides and 24 suicides).

There were eight intentional injury deaths among infants.

Child fatality review committees reviewed 73 deaths to children age 1-17 from intentional causes 47 homicides and 26 suicides.

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Accomplishments, Recommendations, and Goals

Accomplishments, Recommendations, and Goals of the Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel 2005-2008

CFR Accomplishments 1. Continued co-sponsorship of the annual conference on serious injury and child fatality with Department Family Children Services, Office of Child Advocate, and Georgia Bureau of Investigations 2. Initiated legislative recognition of county efforts through "Coroner of the Year", and "County Committee of the Year" Senate resolutions 3. Published and distributed an updated "Child Fatality Review Policy and Procedures Manual" of best practices, also available online 4. Enhanced fatality surveillance and data collection with an improved online reporting tool 5. Delivered statewide training programs on the State Model Child Abuse Protocol 6. Continued partnerships providing training to committees and assistance to local prevention efforts, which included the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, Georgia Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Public Health, and GBI 7. Continued support of child fatality investigation teams with a multi-disciplinary approach in a total of 26 judicial circuits
On-going Legislative Recommendations 1. Require an autopsy, toxicology study, and complete skeletal x-ray (following established pediatric and radiological protocol) for every death of a child under the age of seven with the exception of children who are known to have died of a disease process while attended by a physician 2. In the Child Abuse Protocol annual report, the number of investigations using a multidisciplinary approach should be indicated 3. Expand the safe haven law to include abandonment protections for infants up to 90 days old, and anonymity for the mother

On-going Agency Recommendations 1. DFCS: The Panel recommends that when a child dies due to parental or caretaker neglect or aggression, the Child Death/Serious Injury Committee be empowered to provide resources and support to counties for bereavement and prevention 2. Public Health: The Panel recommends that Vital Records provide monthly death certificate reports to OCFR to facilitate a timely review of child deaths in each county 3. Coroner and Medical Examiner's Office: Expand funding for training on improved death scene investigations for any child death that is suspicious, unexpected, and/or unexplained, and timely autopsy reports 4. Department of Education: support infant care training and SIDS risk reduction into middle and high school curricula 5. Mental Health: Redirect a portion of crisis funding for children's mental health services to devote more resources to preventive care, especially for those identified as "at risk"
Recommendations That Have Been Implemented Statewide
1. DFCS and Public Health funded an expansion of home-based family support models that promote and enable appropriate parenting skills for prevention of child abuse and neglect (SafeCare and the Integrated Family Support programs)
2. The Legislature adopted national guidelines on pool safety (to require fences and gates in public and private swimming pools statewide) and fire safety (to require smoke detectors in all dwellings)
3. The Panel, with support from the CDC, collaborated with relevant organizations to develop a statewide child abuse/child injury prevention framework, which was presented to the Governor's Office for consideration
4. Public Health implemented a statewide cribmatching campaign to promote education and training on safe infant sleep environments

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Information Sources and Inconsistencies

Information Sources and Inconsistencies

This annual report on calendar year 2006 infant and child fatalities in Georgia uses two related but independent sources of data death certificate (DC) data collected by the Office of Vital Records and prepared by the Health Planning and Assessment Unit (HPAU), and the child fatality review data collected by the Office of Child Fatality Review. These two data sources do not always agree on the cause or manner of death. Child fatality review reports are the primary source of data for this report.
The death certificates provide the ICD-10 coding (International Classification of Diseases, Revision 10) for the cause of death, and are used to identify the set of "reviewable" infant and child deaths. For child fatality review purposes, the relevant ICD-10 codes include deaths due to unknown or undetermined cause, SIDS, and any death due to accident or violence. In addition, a medical examiner, coroner, or CFR committee may also determine that a death should be reviewed because of the circumstances of the death (e.g., the child was not under the care of a physician). Accordingly, the total number of reviewed deaths in a county may exceed the number of deaths identified as "reviewable" based on the death certificate.
Child fatality review reports detail the cause, manner and circumstance of death, supervision at time of death, prior history of abuse or neglect, others identified as causing or contributing to child deaths, and prior agency involvement. Reports also contain information regarding whether a death might have been prevented and what measures might be taken to lessen the likelihood of a similar death occurring in the future.

death on the death certificate, the ordering of reported codes to select the underlying cause, and the collapse of codes into categories all contribute to error in the classification of the death certificate "cause" of death. One of the values of the CFR process is that it provides a check on the death certificate coding of cause.
The CFR process for the 2006 child deaths was complicated by processing delays experienced in the Vital Records system and data quality issues with the final 2006 death certificate file. The DC file is used to identify deaths that are required to be reviewed, and delays in that identification made it more challenging for the county CFR committees to gather information and conduct the reviews. One hundred fifteen (115) of 574 "reviewable" CY2006 deaths were not reviewed (in contrast, only five were not reviewed in 2004). There were also 43 reviewed deaths that could not be matched to a death certificate. This is a much larger number than usual (compared to 14 in 2004) and may reflect closing the 2006 DC file before all deaths had been entered into the system.
Five hundred fifty-one CFR reports were linked with a death certificate, and the causes of death for each linked pair were compared. The largest mismatch was 101 DC SIDS deaths that were determined by CFR committees to be sudden, unexplained infant deaths (SUID). However, there is no ICD-10 coding for SUID, (the CFR SUID determination indicates that a risk factor, such as bed-sharing and soft bedding, was identified in the documentation examined by the review committee). An additional 68 deaths had other/ different causes of death in the CFR and DC records.

Although death certificate and child fatality review data do not always agree, the causes of death are generally consistent between the two sources. However, committees often have access to additional information, and may reach a different conclusion regarding the cause and/or manner of death. The system used in the coding of the causes of

Rates are not calculated for 2006 deaths due to the large number of deaths not reviewed. A rate calculated on the reviewed deaths would be inaccurate and skewed. Therefore, the proportion of deaths is presented throughout this report, in order to demonstrate the rate of deaths within the population of all reviewed deaths.

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Georgia Child Fatality Investigation Program

Georgia Child Fatality Investigation Program

The Georgia Child Fatality Investigation Team (CFIT) Program, administered through the Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel, was formed to promote the utilization of best practices in the area of the investigation of suspicious child deaths in Georgia. Recognizing the importance of an immediate and comprehensive response in such cases, experts around the country suggest the utilization of a multi-disciplinary team approach from the inception of such investigations. These teams utilize highly trained representatives from their own district attorney's offices, coroners, and/or medical examiners, local law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). These teams immediately respond and share information from the moment of notification of the child's death.
In 2006, there were 594 child deaths reviewed by child fatality review committees. Fifty-six of those deaths were determined to be homicides by CFR committees. Therefore, given that on average, at least one child a week is a victim of homicide in Georgia, the need for the best quality in investigations is apparent. The original judicial circuits involved in the pilot program included: Lookout Mountain, Middle, Douglas, Dougherty, Stone Mountain, Eastern, Rome, Northeastern, Alcovy, Southern, and Tifton. The following judicial circuits enrolled in the program between 2004 and 2008: Blue Ridge, BellForsyth, Clarke, Rockdale, Gwinnett, Flint, Cobb, Clayton, Macon, Brunswick, Paulding, and Towaliga.
Beginning in 2006, the program emphasized working with existing teams to revitalize teams that had fallen victim to personnel turnover and attrition. In addition to the beginning training that was initially provided, the program

began to offer an advanced curriculum that included local issues. Each time the training is provided, the discussion is tailored to address problems with current or recent cases occurring within the jurisdiction.
In addition to training team members in 2008 from 14 of the enrolled jurisdictions, child abuse professionals from non-member jurisdictions also received this training under the auspices of the DFCS training program, the Georgia Public Safety Training Center child abuse course and the Building Successful Teams conference. Several jurisdictions availed themselves of the case consultation/ assistance available through the program, receiving support in many different phases of child homicide cases, from autopsy to the preparation of criminal indictments. In many cases, the program director was able to serve as a liaison and facilitate dialog between the children's hospital, the medical examiner, DFCS, local law enforcement, and prosecution where communication had not yet been established or had broken down.
In 2007, the CFIT Program expanded to encourage and train jurisdictions to utilize a true multi-disciplinary approach in all child abuse investigations. In 2008, the merger of the Office of Child Fatality Review and the Office of the Child Advocate became an opportunity to expand the scope of the CFIT training program. In 2009, the program looks forward to launching a centralized multi-disciplinary training academy. Local teams will train in groups of three to five jurisdictions to enhance their local protocols, improve efforts as a team, and learn best practices in various areas of child abuse investigations - including sexual and physical abuse, child homicides, and neglect.

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 13

Prevention

Among the 594 deaths that were reviewed in 2006, over 60% of both intentional and unintentional deaths were determined to be "Definitely Preventable" by the CFR committees and an additional 30% were "Possibly Preventable". The committees reported that 126 (54%) of the 235 "Definitely Preventable" had at least one risk factor identified prior to the death; and there had been some community action prior to the death for 109 (87%) of those 126 deaths.

FccaigtoeumgroeFmri1igei:tsuPteroreefevsd1ee:nbatPtyahrb,cei2lavi0ttey0en6gatso(aNdrbie=ietl5eist9rym4o)afinsdeeddaebttyhe,crom2m0i0nm6eitd(teNbe=sy5b9y4)

Not at All Maybe Definitely

All Reviewed

117

241

235

19.7% 40.6%

39.6%

Unintentional Injuries

13 5.5%

72 30.4%

152 64.1%

Intentional Injuries

6 7.3%

24 29.3%

52 63.4%

their communities. The project also allowed committees to network with each other and identify ways they could share resources while working toward the same goals. The prevention plans were revised and upgraded during the 2008 training season, and many committees have made significant progress since then.
We know that 30 counties and two judicial circuits want to direct their prevention attention to promoting infant safe sleep and reducing SIDS. Eight counties and two circuits are committed to improving child safety seat use in motor vehicles, while eleven counties, one circuit and one health district are choosing to focus their energies on teen driver safety. A handful of other counties want to focus on other injuries like drowning, gun safety, suicide, and farm injuries. Other issues that have been discussed in CFR prevention plans include newborn abandonment, poor birth outcomes, domestic violence and drug use. It is critical that we also address these types of social and developmental problems, because they can have a detrimental effect on the quality of life within a community, and can be directly linked to many child fatalities each year.

Medical/SIDS/SUID/ Unknown

98 35.8%

145 52.9%

31 11.3%

Figure 1 shows preventability of deaths as determined by committees

In response to the high percentage of preventable child deaths each year, the Office of Child Fatality Review recently began an innovative program to support the implementation and maintenance of child fatality prevention programs statewide. While we have consistently encouraged local CFR committees to focus on prevention in their work of reviewing and reporting fatality cases, there was often confusion and uncertainty around the steps required to do so.

In 2007, local CFR committees were asked to develop a specific prevention plan which would be used to drive all child fatality prevention efforts in the county for the upcoming years. Each committee was asked to outline their strategy, define action steps, and identify resources to help them in their objectives. The prevention plans gave OCFR insight into the needs and available resources of

A barrier that is commonly identified in implementing a prevention program is lack of funding for personnel and program materials. OCFR is working to provide these necessary resources by applying for public and private program grants on behalf of the CFR committees. Several committees identified barriers such as a lack of awareness or participation in the community. OCFR is now working to mobilize community groups to provide in-kind support to the fatality prevention efforts, through parent organizations and service clubs. While speculating as to the attitudes of parents and families around the issue of fatality prevention, several committees indicated a need for focus groups to learn directly from parents their attitudes about the issues. OCFR has initiated focus group development in several counties, and is providing support and technical assistance for the data evaluation.
Prevention is an ongoing process, and requires the commitment of many individuals, agencies, and organizations. OCFR will continue to provide the highest quality data, training and technical assistance to all of our partners to achieve a reduction in the number of child deaths each year.

Prevention

14 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Child Deaths in Georgia

Cause of Death
Rate per 100,000 Children Age 0-17

In 2006, Georgia lost 1,825 children ages birth-17 years to deaths due to medical conditions and intentional or unintentional injuries. The number of child deaths in Georgia has declined over the past few years; however there was a slight increase in 2006. Previous year information indicated the following: 1,794 deaths in 2003 1,760 deaths in 2004 1,723 deaths in 2005 1,825 deaths in 2006
The top three overall causes of death for individuals less than 18 years of age were medical, motor vehicle incidents, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Motor vehicle incidents continued to be the leading cause of death for children 15-17 years, with medical being the highest for all other age categories.

FiguFirgeure21:. DDeaethas ttohCshiltdorenCUhndieldr Argeen18 Uin nGedoregria,ADegateh 18 in Georgia, DeCaetrhtificCatee, r20t0if6i(cNa=t1e82,52) 006 (N=1825)

Medical MVA SIDS
Homicide 52 Unknown 51 Drowning 37 OthInjury 32 Suffocation 27
Suicide 23 Fire 19
Poison 10 UnkInt 9 Firearm 5
Fall 5

162 150

1243

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Number of Deaths

Figure 2 shows all child deaths by cause based on Georgia vital records

Findings: The number of child deaths has increased by six percent since 2005 (1,723) Although two-thirds of all child deaths were due to medical causes, infants accounted for 78% of those deaths Some examples of infant medical deaths included complications of prematurity, low birth weight, and respiratory distress syndrome The second leading cause of death overall was motor vehicle incidents

Figure 3: All Child Death Rates per 100,000 ChildreFinguAreg2:eA0ll -C1h7ildbDyeatRh aRcatees/pGere1n00d,0e0r0 CChaildteregn ories,
Age 0-17 by Ra2ce0/G0e6nd(eNr C=a1te8go2r5ie)s, 2006 (N=1825)
118.8 120

100

80 71.8
60 52.3
40

20

0
Rate # of Deaths

White Male 71.8 545

White Female 52.3 375

A-A Male 118.8 505

90.9

25.5 13.4

A-A Female 90.9 376

Other Male 25.5 16

Other Female 13.4 8

Figure 3 shows the rate and number of child deaths by race and gender groups
Findings: Child deaths occurred disproportionately among African-Americans. The rate for African-American males is 1.7 times higher than that of White males Males are more likely to die than females. Within each racial category, the rate for males is higher than that of females African-American female death rate is 1.7 times higher than that of White females

Child Deaths in Georgia

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 15

Figure 4: LeadFiingguCreate4g:oLrieeasdoifnDgeCatahtbeygAorgieesGroofuDp,eGaethorgbiya,A2g00e6Group, Georgia, 2006

Rank

<1 1,194 (65.4%)

1

Medical

965 (80.8%)

Age Group in Years

1-4 193 (10.6%)

5-9 92 (5.0%)

10-14 115 (6.3%)

Medical 92 (47.7%)

Medical 45 (48.9%)

Medical 68 (59.1%)

15-17 231 (12.7%) Unintentional 110 (47.6%)

All Deaths <18 1,825
(100%) Medical
1243 (68.1%)

2

SIDS

Unintentional Unintentional Unintentional Medical Unintentional

150 (12.6%) 74 (38.3%) 37 (40.2%) 37 (32.2%) 73 (31.6%) 297 (16.3%)

3 Unintentional Intentional

39 (3.3%)

16 (8.3%)

Intentional 4 (4.3%)

Intentional 6 (5.2%)

Intentional 41 (17.7%)

SIDS 150 (8.2%)

Unknown 3

4

Unknown 31 (2.6%)

Unknown 10 (5.2%)

(3.3%) Unknown Intent 3

Unknown 3 (2.6%)

Unknown 4 (1.7%)

Intentional 75 (4.1%)

(3.3%)

5

Intentional 8 (0.7%)

Unknown Intent
1 (0.5%)

Unknown Intent
1 (0.9%)

Unknown Intent
3 (1.3%)

Unknown 51 (2.8%)

Figure 4 shows the five most common categories of death for each age group, as well as the percent of all child deaths occurring within each age group

The total number of child fatalities based on death certificate data provides the following information:

Infants Sixty-six percent of all child deaths were to infants (less than one year old) Eighty-one percent of infant deaths were due to medical complications The second leading category of death for infants (13%) was SIDS
Ages 1-4 (Early Childhood) Eleven percent of all child deaths occurred to children between the ages of one and four years Majority of deaths were due to medical causes including, birth defects, respiratory diseases, and cancer (48%) The second leading category of death was due to unintentional injuries such as motor vehicle, drowning, and fire-related (38%)

Ages 5-14 (Middle Childhood) Eleven percent of all child deaths occurred to children between the ages of five and 14 years Majority of deaths were due to medical causes (55%) such as asthma and heart complications The second leading category of death was due to unintentional injuries such as motor vehicle, drowning, and fire-related (36%)
Ages 15-17 (Later Adolescence) Thirteen percent of all child deaths occurred to older teenagers Majority of deaths were related to unintentional injuries such as motor vehicle, drowning, and fire (48%) The second leading category of death resulted from medical conditions such as asthma and heart complications (32%)

16 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

All 2006 Reviewed Deaths

A child's death is eligible for review when the death is unexpected, unexplained, suspicious, or attributed to unusual circumstances (for more detail on deaths eligible for review, please see Appendix A). Child medical deaths are deemed reviewable if unexpected, suspicious, or unattended by a physician (i.e., unexpected heart failure). These deaths are reviewed by child fatality review committees which are comprised of local professionals who convene for the purpose of analyzing all circumstances of child deaths. This review process utilizes a multi-faceted approach to provide a comprehensive understanding of each child's death. Child Fatality Review is a critical component for enhancing our ability to galvanize community efforts toward the reduction of preventable child deaths.
In 2006, 574 of the total 1,825 child deaths met the eligibility criteria for review based on death certificate data. Committees submitted reports for 80% (459) of those deaths. Committees reviewed an additional 135 deaths. A total of 594 deaths were reviewed. Complete

data on reviewed child deaths are available in Appendix C.2. The distribution of child deaths in Georgia is generally proportional to the county population.
There were 12 counties with ten or more reviewable deaths in 2006. Those counties had 49% of the child population and accounted for 45% of all reviewable deaths. Those counties reviewed 77% (201) of their 260 reviewable deaths. They reviewed an additional 65 deaths
There were 111 counties with less than ten reviewable deaths in 2006. Those counties accounted for 53% of all reviewable deaths and reviewed 82% (258) of their 314 reviewable deaths. They reviewed an additional 67 deaths
Nine counties did not review any of their reviewable deaths. Of those, seven counties had one reviewable death, and two counties had two reviewable deaths
Fourteen counties had no child fatalities in 2006, and 22 additional counties had no child fatalities that met criteria for review

All 2006 Reviewed Deaths

Figure 5: Causes of Death, All Reviewed Infant/Child Deaths, Georgia, 2006 (N=594) Causes of Death, All Reviewed Infant/Child Deaths, Georgia, 2006 (N=594)

Cause of Death

Motor Vehicle Crash 21.9%

SUID 21.4%

Medical 13.8%

82

Homicide 9.4% SIDS 6.1%

56 36

Drowning 5.9%

35

Asphyxia 5.4%

32

Unknown 4.5%

27

Suicide 4.4%

26

Fire 3.2%

19

Other Injury 1.9%

11

Poison 1.2%

7

Firearm 0.7% 4

Unknown Intent 0.3% 2

130 127

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Reviewed Deaths

Figure 5 shows the cause of death for all 594 deaths reviewed by the child fatality review committees

Findings: Motor vehicle-related incidents continued to account for the leading cause of reviewed child deaths (22%) There was a 63% decrease in the number of SIDS deaths reviewed (from 96 in 2005), and a corresponding increase in the number of SUID deaths. This increase in SUID deaths reviewed is likely due to an enhanced awareness and identification of the risk factors possibly contributing to infant deaths Unknown deaths are deaths for which there was no definite cause identified after a review of the scene investigation, clinical history, and/or autopsy findings. Other injury includes accidental blunt head trauma, electrocution, lightning, falls, and heat-related deaths

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 17

All Reviewed Medical

All Reviewed Medical

Medical deaths are reviewable by child fatality review committees if the death occurs while unattended by a physician, occurs in a suspicious or unusual manner, or is unexpected (for more detail on deaths eligible for review,

please see Appendix A). There were 82 medical deaths reviewed by CFR committees based on these criteria. More than 80% of those children had a pre-existing medical condition, such as asthma, prematurity, spinal and/or heart complications.

FFigiguurere4c6::MMeeddiciaclaDl eDaethasthRsevRieewveiedwbyedRebvyieRweCvrieitweriCa,ri2t0e0r6ia(,N(=N8=28)2)
None Resident/Inmate (3, 4%)
(2, 2%)

Unexpected/ Unexplained
(32, 39%)

Unattended by Physician (45, 55%)

Figure 6 shows medical death reviewed based on criteria for review
Findings: Thirty-two percent of the medical deaths were unexpected or unexplained Two decedents (10-14 years of age) were residents of a hospital Fifty-five percent of the medical reviewable deaths were unattended by a physician, (i.e., a child experienced death as a result of a medical condition outside of a medical facility/physician's care). Examples included viral and undiagnosed heart conditions
Facts: According to the CDC, asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism Based on the School Health Profiles, 51% of Georgia schools had one or more groups that guide and provide information for health topics in the school

Child was playing basketball and collapsed due to cardiac arrest 18 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Opportunities for Prevention:
For Parents Ensure children have regular visits with a health-care provider to check for any illnesses or abnormalities in wellness and development
For Community Leaders and Policy Makers Consider creating a study committee to research improvements to the current school sport physical requirements. Such a committee should evaluate improvement suggestions against funding options and solutions
For Professionals Implementation of trainings to medical staff regarding childhood medical deaths and common conditions which have resulted in death over the past few years
Resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth

Preventability

When CFR committees investigate a child death, they also identify the degree to which that death could have been prevented. They specifically examine the circumstances of the child and the child's family before the event, during the event, and immediately after the event, in an effort to

clearly recognize the level of intervention needed to prevent a similar death in the future. The review committees define "preventability" based on two criteria: if a death is identified through retrospective analysis to be foreseeable, or is the result of an absence of reasonable intervention.

FFigiguurere7:7:PPrerevveDneDetneaatabtahtbihlsiis,ltiy,2t,y20A,00A06lll6l(RNR(eN=ev=5vi5e9iew93w3)e)eddInInfafannt/tC/Chhiilldd

Number Percent

Definitely Preventable

235

39.6%

Possibly Preventable

241

40.6%

Not Preventable

117

19.7%

Figure 7 shows the determination of preventability for all reviewed deaths (one reviewed death did not have preventability determination reported)

Preventability

Finding: As in previous years, 80% of reviewed deaths were reported to be "definitely preventable" or "possibly preventable" by the review committees

Fact:

One study determined that, if all child deaths in the United States were reviewed from a prevention/needs assessment perspective, targeted and data-driven recommendations for prevention could be developed for each community, and potentially 38% of all child deaths that occur after the first month of life could be prevented (Pediatrics, 2002)

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 19

FigFuirgeu8r:e P8r:ePvreenvteanbItnialijbtuyirl,iiUt2eys0n,,0iU2n60nte(0iNnn6=tt(ie5oNn9n=t6ia5o)l9na3an)ldanIndteInnttieonntaiol nInajluries,

Not at All

Possibly

Definitely

Unintentional Injuries

13 5.5%

72 30.4%

152 64.1%

Intentional Injuries

6 7.3%

24 29.3%

52 63.4%

Figure 8 shows the committee determination of preventability by intent (one reviewed death did not have preventability determination reported)

Finding: Among the 594 deaths that were reviewed in 2006, over 60% of both intentional and unintentional deaths were determined to be "Definitely Preventable" by the CFR committees and an additional 30% were "Possibly Preventable"

Fact:

About one third of all unintentional childhood injury deaths in the US are preventable. Among the relevant characteristics: higher education level of parents, lower gun ownership, higher population density that implies shorter distances traveled by cars, a better developed emergency medical system, and the existence of several injury prevention programs (Injury Prevention, 2004)

FFiigguurree99::PPrreevveennttaabbiliilittyyb(bNy(yN=CC=5a5a9u9u3s3s)e)e, ,RReevvieiewwededDDeaetahths,s2, 0200606

Cause of Death Not at All

Possibly Definitely

Medical

50

29

3

SIDS

19

17

0

SUID

25

78

24

Drowning

4

11

20

Fire

0

4

14

Firearm

1

0

3

Motor Vehicle

5

45

80

Other Injury

2

4

5

Poison

0

0

7

Asphyxia

1

8

23

Homicide

3

8

45

Suicide

3

16

7

Unknown Intent

0

1

1

Unknown

4

20

3

Figure 9 shows the preventability determination for each reviewed cause of death (one reviewed death did not have preventability determination reported)
20 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Findings: Committees determined that 61% of medical deaths were not at all preventable There is inconsistency in the preventability determination for SUID, while SIDS is generally reported as "not preventable"

Fact:

Most unintentional (accidental) and all intentional (inflicted) deaths are often considered to be preventable, using reasonable intervention procedures (e.g. educational, medical, social, behavioral, technological, or legal interventions)

While there are certain circumstances that are unforeseen and not reasonably preventable (i.e. certain medical situations), many injuries that are reviewed by CFR committees should be considered preventable based on the presence of awareness and education messages in the community. It is unlikely that any homicides, suicides, motor vehicle crashes, firearm or drowning deaths would be considered "not at all preventable".

The committees reported that 126 (54%) of the 235 "Definitely Preventable" deaths had at least one risk factor identified prior to the death. There had been some community action prior to the death for 109 (87%) of those 126 deaths.

Child Abuse and Neglect

Child Abuse and Neglect

Far too many children suffer at the hands of those entrusted to love, nurture, and care for them. Child abuse and neglect is a devastating epidemic that impacts not only the lives of maltreated children, but of everyone within our society.
According to Child Help USA, 80% of young adults who had been abused met the diagnostic criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder at the age of 21 (including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, & post-traumatic stress disorder). Children who experience child abuse and neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit violent crime. Fourteen percent of all men in prison and 37% of all women in prison in the United States were abused as children.
What is included in the definition of "abuse and/or neglect"?
Child maltreatment is defined as any act or failure to act resulting in the imminent risk of serious harm, death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation of a child (under the age of 18). Fatal child abuse may involve

repeated abuse over a period of time (e.g., battered child syndrome), or it may involve a single, impulsive incident (e.g., suffocating, or shaking an infant). In cases of fatal neglect, the child's death results not from anything the caregiver does, but from a caregiver's failure to act. The neglect may be chronic (e.g., extended malnourishment) or acute (e.g., an infant who drowns after being left unsupervised in the bathtub).
How does Georgia compare with the U.S. average?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in 2006 an estimated 906,000 children were victims of abuse and/or neglect in the U.S. (a rate of 12.3 per 1,000). In Georgia, 22,779 children were victims of abuse and/or neglect (a rate of 9.9 per 1,000). (GA DHR). In 2006, The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) reported an estimated 1,530 child abuse and/ or neglect fatalities (a rate of 2.1 per 100,000). In Georgia, DFCS reported 64 child abuse and/or neglect fatalities in 2006 (a rate of 2.8 per 100,000). However, CFR committees identified 116 fatalities with associated abuse and/or neglect (suspected or confirmed).

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 21

FigureFi1g0u: Rreev1ie0w:eRd eDveiaethwsewdithDAebautshes/NwegitlehcAt Fbinudsineg/s, by Neglect FindAingge,s2,0b0y6 (ANg=1e1,62) 006 (N = 116)

5 to 14

15 to 17

19, 16%

5, 4%

1 to 4 45, 39%

Infant 47, 41%

Figure 10 shows the percent of child abuse/neglect deaths for different age groups
Findings: Pre-school age children under five years of age comprised 80% of all abuse/neglect-related deaths in 2006 The proportion of child abuse/neglect-related deaths decreased with age
Fact: Infants and younger children experience more abuse/neglect deaths because of their overall vulnerability and developmental stage, their dependency on caretakers for all personal needs, and their limited contact with mandated reporters

FigureF1ig1u:rCe a1u1:sCesauosfeDs eoaf tDheAatmh AomngonRgeRvieevwieewdedDDeaetahthsswwiitthh Abuse/ AbuNseeg/lNecegt lFeicntdFiinndgisn,g2s0, 20060, 6(,N(N=2=3181)6)

Motor Vehicle Crash, 20

Homicide, 31

SUID, 18 Drowning, 11
Unknown, 9 Suffocation, 8
Medical, 6 Fire, 4 SIDS, 4
Firearm, 2 Poison, 1 Other Accident, 1

Suicide, 1

Figure 11 shows the causes of death when child abuse/neglect was suspected or confirmed Findings: Twenty-seven percent of the 116 reviewed deaths with child abuse and neglect findings were homicides Total number of reviewed deaths with abuse or neglect findings has steadily declined over recent years from 166 in 2004 to 136 in 2005 to 116 in 2006 Fact: For infants under the age of one, studies indicate that the most common cause of fatal abuse is blunt head trauma which typically leaves no external signs of injury
22 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

FigFuirgeur1e21:2:RReevlaiteiownsehdipUofnPinertpeentrtaitoonr taolDInecjeudreyn-tRineRlaetveiedwDedeaths by Deaths with AbCusaeuNseeg,le2c0t F0i6nd(inNg=s2, 23080)6 (N = 73)

Natural Mother 30.3% Natural Father 19.1% Mother's Significant Other 14.6%
Other Relative 7.9% Stranger 4.5%
Acquaintance 4.5% Babysitter/CCW 3.4%
Sibling 3.4% Stepmother 3.4%
Self 2.2% Stepfather 2.2%
Friend 1.1% Foster Mother 1.1% Adoptive Mother 1.1% Grandmother 1.1%

4 4 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1

0

5

17 13 7

10

15

20

Reviewed Deaths

27

25

30

Figure 12 shows the relationship of the perpetrator to the child in suspected or confirmed child abuse/neglect related deaths. Some child abuse/neglect related deaths involved more than one perpetrator

Findings: Mothers represented the largest category of perpetrators (27) while fathers represented the second largest category (17). Mothers and fathers reversed leading roles when compared to 2005 data--fathers represented the largest category (28) while mothers represented (20) the second largest category The mother's significant other (e.g. boyfriend or paramour) represented the third largest category of perpetrators The "self" category refers to two suicides with abuse/neglect findings
Facts: A young child left with a male caregiver who lacks emotional attachment to him/her is at increased risk of abuse and/or neglect Most fatalities from physical abuse are caused by fathers and other male caretakers Mothers are most often held responsible for deaths resulting from child neglect Although there are a myriad of contributing risk factors commonly associated with child maltreatment, fatal abuse is interrelated with domestic violence, substance abuse, and poverty

Domestic Violence and Child Abuse The concurrent incidence of domestic violence and child abuse within the same families is well-documented. The U.S. Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect suggests that domestic violence may be the single major precursor to child abuse and neglect fatalities in this country (1995). Children from homes where domestic violence occurs are physically or sexually abused and/or seriously neglected at a rate 15 times the national average (McKay, 1994).

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 23

Alcohol, Substance Abuse, and Child Abuse The U.S. Departmen0t of Health and Human Services estimates that 50 to 80 percent of all child abuse cases substantiated by Child Protective Services (CPS) involve some degree of substance abuse by the child's parents. Children in alcohol-abusing families were nearly four times more likely to be maltreated overall. They were almost five times more likely to be physically neglected and ten times more likely to be emotionally neglected than children in non-alcohol abusing families.
Poverty The Third National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect conducted by Sedlak & Broadhurst found that family income was significantly related to incidence rates in nearly every category of maltreatment. Children whose families had annual incomes below $15,000 were more than 22 times more likely to experience maltreatment, more than 44 times more likely to be neglected, and more than 22 times more likely to be seriously injured by maltreatment than families with incomes of $30,000 or more. A number of problems associated with poverty may contribute to higher child maltreatment, including: transience in residence, poorer education, higher rates of substance abuse and emotional disorders, and less adequate support systems (U.S. Dept Health & Human Sciences).
Victim was killed by mother's boyfriend as a result of blunt force trauma to the head. In addition, there were multiple bruises on the child's body which were consistent
with abuse

Opportunities for Prevention:
For Parents
Participate in classes that teach effective coping strategies, developmental stages of children, and age-appropriate disciplinary practices
Increase self-awareness to identify personal triggers and child behaviors that elicit anxiety and anger by understanding your individual response to stress
Seek assistance and guidance from family members, friends, community members, and service providers
For Community Leaders and Policy Makers Train hospital emergency room staff in identifying fatalities related to child abuse and responsibility to report to the appropriate agencies Provide comprehensive training on the mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect to local human service agencies, hospitals, and physicians Develop a networking system with neighborhood associations, community centers, and faith-based centers
For Professionals Develop media campaigns to enlighten and inform the general public on known behaviors associated with child fatality, eg., violently shaking a child out of frustration Implement crisis nurseries to provide respite care for parents "on the edge" for a specified period of time, at no charge Provide intensive home visiting services to parents of at-risk infants and toddlers

Resources: Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) www.dhr.georgia.gov
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia www.preventchildabusega.org
Child Help USA www.childhelp.org
U.S. Department of Health and Human Sciences www.hhs.gov
24 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Prior Agency Involvement

Fifty-one percent (301) of the 594 CFR reports received for 2006 indicated that one or more community agencies had prior involvement with the deceased child and/or his/ her family. The duration and degree of community agency

involvement varied depending on individual circumstances. Oftentimes, a child or family was involved with more than one agency.

Prior Agency Involvement

FigFuirgeur1e31:3P: rPooprpoortrtiioonn ooff DDeeaaththss(N(oNoAbAubsue/sNee/gNleecgtlIedcetnItnifidede)ntified) wwitithh PPrriioorrAAggeenncycyInvInovlvoelmveemnt,e2n0t0,62(0N0=6 4(N78=)478)

60.0 50.0

52.5

40.0

Percent of Deaths

30.0 20.0

14.0

14.2

19.5

26.2

10.0 3.1

5.0

7.1

0.0 Mental Health (N=1O5t)her (N=24DD) FJCJ S(N/P=u3Cb4lo)icurAt s(sNi=st6a7n)ceD(FNC=6S8/C)PPuSbl(icNH=9e3a)lthN(oNA=1g2e5n)cy (N=251)
Figure 13 shows prior agency involvement for deceased children and their families without abuse or neglect findings. A significant number of children and/or their families were involved with more than one agency resulting in number of agency involvements exceeding number of deaths.

Findings: Fifty-three percent of deaths without abuse/neglect findings had no prior agency involvement Public Health represents the agency most often involved with families(26%) without abuse/neglect findings

Fact: Professionals who work with governmental and other public agencies are mandated to report suspected abuse and/ or neglect

FigFuigreur1e41:4P: rPoroppoorrttiioonn ooffDDeeaaththss(A(bAubsue/sNee/gNlecgtleIdcetnItnifideedn) wtifitihed) with PPrriioorrAAggeenncycyInvInovlvoelmveemnt,e2n0t0,62(0N0=6 1(1N6=)116)

40.0

37.1 36.2

35.0 30.0 25.0

23.3

25.0

27.6

Percent of Deaths

20.0

15.0 10.0

8.6

6.9

5.0 1.7

0.0

Mental

Health

(N=2) Other

(N=10)

DJJ (N=8C) ourt DFCS/Public

(ANs=s2is7ta) nce

(DNF=C29S)/CPSPu(bNl=ic3H2)ealth

(NNo=4A3g)ency

(N=42)

Figure 14 shows prior agency involvement for deceased children and their families with abuse or neglect findings. A significant

number of children and/or their families were involved with more than one agency resulting in number of involvements

exceeding number of deaths.

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 25

Sleep-Related Infant Deaths

Findings: Sixty-four percent of children with abuse/neglect findings had prior involvement with at least one agency Thirty-six percent of children with abuse/neglect findings had no prior agency involvement
Fact: Mandated reporters are required to have specialized training for accurate identification of risk factors and signs of abuse/neglect
Opportunities for Prevention: For community leaders and policy makers
Educate the community about the importance of reporting child abuse/neglect Increase public awareness regarding the far reaching social and economic impact of child abuse/neglect For professionals Participate in trainings, seminars, and workshops to learn how to recognize and report child abuse/neglect Collaborate with service providers and community advocates to promote child abuse/neglect reporting

Sleep-Related Infant Deaths

Sleep-related deaths include all deaths to infants that occur while sleeping, but have no identifiable medical cause. They are the leading cause of reviewed deaths in Georgia for children up to one year of age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4,500 infants die each year with no obvious explanation. Almost all of these deaths occur during sleep.
What is included in the definition of sleep-related infant death? SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is defined as the sudden death of an infant less than one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history. Other infant sleep-related deaths are defined as Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID), and appear to be SIDS, but have other factors present that could have contributed to the deaths. Sleep-related deaths may also result from sleeprelated asphyxia (extreme decrease of oxygen in the body accompanied by an increase of carbon dioxide). Examples of sleep-related asphyxia include unintentional overlay by another, sleeping with head or face covered, or wedging.
Although many risk factors have been identified in

association with SIDS and other sleep-related deaths, a primary cause has not been determined. Research suggests a complex combination of physiology and environmental stressors that contribute to SIDS. A death should only be determined as SIDS after careful investigation so that all other possibilities can be ruled out. The process is expensive, and many counties do not conduct such thorough investigations.
How does Georgia compare to the U.S.? Sleep-related infant deaths in Georgia are comparable to national data. In the United States, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the most common cause of death in infants between the ages of one month and one year, affecting nearly one out of every 2,000 live births. Most deaths occur between two to four months of age. Consistently higher rates are found in African-American and American Indian/Alaska Native children (two to three times the national average).
The National Centers for Health Statistics in 2005 determined the SIDS mortality rate was roughly one death for every 2,000 live births -- or 0.5 percent (CDC, 2006). In contrast, the infant mortality rate for all causes of death was 6.8 (per 1,000 live births).

26 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Findings: Sleeping position was known and reported for 116 of those infants who died of SIDS or SUID; position was unknown and/or unreported for 47 of SIDS/SUID infants (29%) There were 59 SIDS/SUID deaths where the infants were found laying on their stomachs; in 34 deaths, the infants were found on their backs
Facts: Infants who are accustomed to sleeping on their backs are 18 times more likely to die from SIDS when put down to sleep on their stomachs A recent study in a special supplement to the journal Pediatrics revealed that at three months of age, 25% of parents were still not following recommendations to put their infants to sleep on their backs, and one-third of parents were sharing a bed with their infants at that age, contrary to the NICHD and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines Infants who sleep on their stomachs or sides face the biggest danger: They have twice the risk of dying from SIDS as infants who sleep on their backs. When an infant's face is turned toward the bedding, he's in a position to re-breathe the carbon dioxide he exhales, which limits the amount of oxygen he takes in

Figure 15: Sleeping Position of Infants who Died of Reviewed F ig ure 16: S leepingSIPDoSs, i2t0io0n6 (oNf=I2n8f)ants who D ied

of R eviewed S ID S , 2006 (N = 28)

S ide

S tomac h, F ac e

6 (21% )

D own

5 (18% )

B ac k 7 (25% )

S tomac h F ac e to S ide 6 (21% )
S tomac h, U nk nown 4, (14% )

Figure 15 shows the reported sleeping position for those 28 infants who died of SIDS (when known)

FiFgiugruer1e61: 7S:leSelpeinegpiPnogsPitioosnitoiof InnfoafnItnsfwanhotsDwiehdooDf Rieedviewed
SUID, 2006 (N=88)
of R eviewed S UID , 2006 (N = 88)

S tomac h, F ac e

S ide

D own

17 (19% )

22 (25% )

S tomac h F ac e to S ide 12 (14% )

B ac k 27 (31% )

S tomac h, U nk nown 10 (11% )

Figure 16 shows the reported sleeping position for those 88 infants who died of SUID (when known)

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 27

Age in Months

F ig ure 15: R eviewed S ID S /S UID D eaths by
Figure 17: RevAiegweedinSMIDoSn/SthUsID, 2D0e0a6th(sNby= A1g6e3)in Months, 2006
(N=163)

11

10

9

S IDS S UID

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

0

10

20

30

40

50

Num be r of De a ths

Figure 17 shows the age in months of reviewed deaths due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID) in 2006

Findings: Most SIDS /SUID deaths occurred to infants one to three months of age (n=109) Seventy-one percent of all SIDS/SUID occurred in infants younger than four months Only seven percent of all SIDS/SUID deaths occurred in infants older than six months
Fact: Generally, most infants who die from SIDS/SUID are between two and six months old. The risk of death declines dramatically after six months of age

28 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Findings: Sleeping location was known and reported for 152 of those infants who died of SIDS or SUID; location was unknown and/ or unreported for 11 of SIDS/SUID infants (seven percent) Of the 33 infants who died of SIDS, the most common location for sleep was a crib (55%) Fifty-two percent of the 119 SUID deaths occurred while the infant was in a bed An additional 11% of reviewed SIDS/SUID infant deaths occurred on couches

FFigiguurree 1189:: LLoocRcaeativtoiieonwnwewhdehSreeUrFIeDo,Fu2no0du06nfod(rNIf=no1fra1nI9nt)sfawnhtso wDiheod of D ied of R eviewed S U ID , 2006 (N = 119)

B as s inet 7 (6% )

F loor 3 (3% )

W aterbed

1 (1% )

C rib

O ther

20 (17% )

9 (8% )

P laypen 1 (1% )

C ouc h 16 (13% )

B ed 62 (52% )

Figure 18 shows the sleeping locations for the infants who died of Reviewed SUID (when known)

Facts: According to the AAP, the risk of SIDS is higher when bed sharing occurs with young infants. Also, the risk of SIDS seems to be particularly high when there are multiple bed sharers and also may be increased when the bed sharer has consumed alcohol or is overtired. It is extremely hazardous when adults sleep with an infant on a couch There is growing evidence that room sharing (infant sleeping in the parent's room) without bed sharing is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS

FiFgiugruer1e91: 8L:ocLaoticoantiwohnewrehFeoruenFdofuonr IdnffaonrtsInwfahnotsDiwedhof D ied oRfeRvieewvieedwSeIdDSS,ID20S0,62(0N0=633()N = 33)
B as s inet 7 (21% )

Other 1 (3% ) C ouc h 1 (3% )
B ed 4 (12% ) P laypen 2 (6% )

C rib 18 (55% )

Figure 19 shows the reported location of death for those infants who died of Reviewed SIDS (when known)

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 29

Findings: In 83% of deaths (n=134), the infant was sleeping at their

FPiglaucree2o0f: DPleaactehoffoDreInatfhanfotsr IwnfhaontDs iwehdooDfiSedIDoSf /SSIUDSID/S,U2I0D0,620(N06= (N=116633))

own home Five deaths (3%) occurred in
a child-care facility, and 20 occurred in another caregiver's home (12%)

Child Care Facility, 5, 3%
Other Home, 20, 12%

Other, 4, 2%

Facts: Many child care deaths have

been associated with the prone sleep position, especially when

the infant is not accustomed to being placed in that position. Unaccustomed prone sleep increases the risk of SIDS by as much as 18-fold. It is

Home, 134, 83%

frequently a non-parental

Figure 20 shows the place of death for the 163 reviewed SIDS/SUID deaths in 2006

caregiver who places the infant

in an unaccustomed prone position (AAP) Georgia's licensed child care centers are required

FiguFreig2u1r:eR2a1c:e/RGaecned/eGreDnisdterirbDutiisotnriobfuRtieovnieowfeRdeSvIiDeSwaendd SUID SIDS aDnedathSsU, I2D00D6e(aNt=h1s6,32)006

to practice safe sleep for infants. Bright from the Start regulations state: "In order to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), staff shall put an infant to sleep on the infant's back unless the center

Percent of Deaths

35.0

30.0 25.0

11 30

20.0

8 28 8 31

32 6

15.0

10.0 5.0

24

0.0

12

has been provided a

White White A-A Male A-A

Other

Other

physician's

written

Male Female

Female Male Female

statement authorizing

another sleep position

SIDS Race/Gender Proportion SUID Race/Gender Proportion

for that particular infant"

(O.C.G.A20-1A-1 et.seq. and 50-13-4(a))
Findings:

Figure 21 shows the demographic numbers and proportions for the 163 reviewed SIDS and SUID deaths in 2006

SIDS occurred more often, and had a higher proportion, among White males

SUID occurred almost equally, and displayed a similar proportion, among White males and females, and African-

American males and females

Facts: Data from the Center for Health Statistics show that nationally the SIDS rate among African-American infants remains more than twice the rate of White infants According to the CDC, many SUID cases are not investigated, and when they are, cause-of-death data are not collected and reported consistently. Inaccurate classification of cause and manner of death hampers prevention efforts and researchers are unable to adequately monitor national trends, identify risk factors, or evaluate intervention programs
30 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Finding: Fifty-five percent (11) of the children who died from sleeprelated asphyxia were three months old or younger

Fact:

Sixty percent of infant asphyxia occurs in the sleep environment (Safe Kids, 2005). Infants in particular are at greater risk for asphyxia because of their inability to lift their heads or remove themselves from tight places

Age in Months

Figure 22: Reviewed Sleep-Related Infant Asphyxia Deaths, by Month of Age, 2006 (N=20)
F ig ure 22: R eviewed S leep-R elated Infant
As phyx ia D eaths , by Month of Ag e, 2006 (N = 20)

11 9 7 6 4 3 2 1 0

0

1

2

3

4

5

Num be r of De a ths

Figure 22 shows the age in months at death for the 20 infants with reviewed sleeprelated asphyxia deaths in 2006

Finding: Almost three-fourths of the infants (70%) were sleeping with at least one other person at the time of death

FF iigguurree2233::NNuummbbereor foPf ePoepoleplSeleSelepeinpginwgitwh iItnhfaIntfsanat aTtime of T ime of DDeeaatthh,,22000066(N(N=2=0)20)

Fact:

Bed-sharing is particularly dangerous when the caregiver is overweight or under the influence of anything that might hamper a normal arousal response

S leeping A lone 6 (30% )

O ther 14 (70% )

(40%)
1 O ther 8 (40% )
2 O thers 4 (20% )
3 O thers 2 (10% )

Figure 23 shows the number of people sleeping with the infant when the cause of death was asphyxia

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 31

Statewide Opportunities for Prevention: For Parents:
Get medical care early in pregnancy, preferably within the first three months, followed by regular checkups at the doctor's office or health clinic. Make every effort to maintain good nutrition and avoid stress. These measures can reduce the risk of premature birth, a major risk factor for SIDS
Do not smoke during pregnancy: Maternal smoking during pregnancy has emerged as a major risk factor in almost every epidemiologic study of SIDS
Breast-feed infants whenever possible. Breast milk decreases the occurrence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Studies show that breastfed infants have a lower SIDS rate than formula-fed infants
Thoroughly discuss infant sleep safety with all caregivers and child care providers. If you take your infant to daycare or leave him/her with a sitter, provide a copy of the safe sleep recommendations to them and make sure they follow all recommendations
Avoid exposing the infant to people with respiratory infections. Avoid crowds. Carefully clean anything that comes in contact with the infant. Have people wash their hands before holding or playing with your infant. SIDS often occurs in association with relatively minor respiratory (mild cold) and gastrointestinal infections (vomiting and diarrhea)
Place infants to sleep in an infant bed with a firm
48-day old infant, premature and with heart monitor, was visiting dad and co-slept with dad on couch and never
woke up. Heart monitor was going off but dad claimed he couldn't hear it

mattress (not an adult bed, or a couch or chair). There should be nothing in the bed but the infant - no covers, no pillows, no bumper pads, no positioning devices and no toys. Soft mattresses and heavy covering are associated with the risk for SIDS
For Professionals and Policy-makers: Support establishing a population-based SUID case registry that can facilitate the understanding of the root causes, rates, and trends of SUID; support facilitating the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data by implementing a surveillance and monitoring system based on thorough and complete death scene investigation data, clinical history, and autopsy findings Support research to find the cause for SIDS and SUID First responders and coroners: Improve public reporting of surveillance and descriptive epidemiology of SUID to better understand the risks and associations of SUID with race and gender
For Agencies and Community Leaders: Train childbirth educators, lactation consultants, trainers for babysitter courses, WIC agencies, pediatricians, daycare providers, nurses and birth support staff to model SIDS risk-reduction techniques to ensure that families know how to reduce SIDS risk Encourage parents to keep the infant's crib in the parents' room until the infant is at least six months of age. Studies clearly show that infants are safest when their beds are close to their mothers

Resources: American Academy of Pediatrics www.healthychildcare.org
National Safe Kids Campaign www.safekids.org
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development "Back to Sleep" Campaign www.nichd.nih.gov/sids/sids.cfm
National SIDS and Infant Death Project Impact www.sidsprojectimpact.com
32 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Unintentional Injury-Related Deaths

Unintentional Injury-Related Deaths

Unintentional injuries caused the deaths of 238 children in 2006. Those types of injuries caused more deaths to children 1-17 years of age than any other reviewed category (e.g., medical or intentional injuries). Nationally, since 1987, there has been a 45% decrease in unintentional injury fatalities; yet despite this good news, they continue to be the leading category of death for American children (Safe Kids, 2008). CFR committees found 64% of all unintentional injury related deaths to be definitely preventable.
What is an unintentional injury? Injury is damage to a person's body via mechanical, thermal, or chemical distribution. The intent of an injury is important to note as well. Unintentional injury is not deliberate, therefore these injuries (fatal or non fatal) are

preventable. This category includes those injuries described as unintended regardless of whether the injury was inflicted by oneself or by another person. It does not include deaths whose intent was labeled as unknown, as during certain case review, intent was not able to be determined by CFR committees.
How does Georgia compare to the U.S. average? The top three causes of unintentional injury-related fatalities in Georgia are the same on a national front. Specifically, motor vehicle, drowning, and asphyxia are most prevalent. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, in 2005, the United States unintentional injury fatality child death rate (birth-17 years) was 11.15 per 100,000 children, while Georgia's was 12.91.

Figure 24: Reviewed Unintentional Injury-Related Deaths by Reviewed Unintentional InjuCrya-Ruesleat,e2d0D0e6ath(Ns b=y2C3a8u)se, 2006 (N=238)

MVC 54.6%

Drowning 14.7%

35

Cause of Death

Asphyxia 13.4%

32

Fire 8.0%

19

Other Injury 4.6%

11

Poison 2.9%

7

Firearm 1.7% 4

0

20

40

60

80

100

Reviewed Deaths

Figure 24 shows unintentional injury deaths by mechanism

130

120

140

Findings: Motor vehicle-related deaths accounted for the majority (55%) of unintentional injury deaths Motor vehicle-related, drowning, and asphyxia have remained the top three causes of unintentional injury fatalities for two years
Fact: CFR committees reviewed more unintentional injuries (40%) than intentional injuries (24%) or unexpected medical deaths (24%)

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 33

Motor Vehicle-Related Injuries

Motor Vehicle-Related Injuries

Motor vehicle-related injuries are the number one cause of death for children over age one. Many factors contribute to this public health problem including improper restraint use (lack of seatbelts, car seats, booster seats, and premature graduation to a seat belt), driver error, as well as active supervision of young children near roadways. The Governor's Office of Highway Safety reports that the Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) that went into effect on July 1, 1997 was responsible for a "44.5% decline in teenage speed-related crashes in 18 months" (not specific to deaths). During 2006, CFR committees identified 27 youth ages 15-17 years who died while operating a vehicle. Eight out of nine older teens who died while riding in the back seat were not wearing a seatbelt, when restraint use was known.
Additionally, Georgia continues to see pedestrian deaths increase each year, warranting the continuation of recently added programs such as Safe Routes to School and others where the Department of Transportation and the Governor's Office have been instrumental with local community grants. In pedestrian-related motor vehicle deaths, toddlers were

determined "not adequately supervised" 89% of the time, when supervision was reported. There were no pedestrianrelated fatalities to children 5-9 years of age.
What is included in the definition of motor vehicle-related death? Deaths attributed to motor vehicle-related incidents include the drivers and passengers of a vehicle, and occupants, riders or pedestrians impacted by any other form of transportation (bicycles, ATV, go-carts, motorized scooters, airplanes).
How does GA compare with the U.S. average? On the national front, motor vehicle deaths are the leading cause of death to children ages 1-17 years. When parents were surveyed regarding their concerns and worries for their children, their top two concerns were motor vehicle crashes and pedestrian collisions (Safe Kids, 2008). According to NCIPC, the 2005 United States motor vehicle child death rate (birth-17 years) was 6.14 per 100,000 children while the CDC reported Georgia's rate was 7.00.

Figure 25: Reviewed Motor VehicleRelated Deaths by Age, 2006 (N=130) Figure 25: Related Deaths by Age, 2006 (N=130)

Infant <1 4 (3%)

1 to 4 27 (21%)

15 to 17 61 (47%)

5 to 9 16 (12%)

10 to 14 22 (17%)
Figure 25 shows the age breakdown of motor vehicle related deaths Findings:
Teenagers ages 15-17 years accounted for 47% of the 130 deaths Toddlers accounted for 21% of all motor vehicle deaths, and 59% of those pedestrian-related deaths
Fact: In Georgia, if a child is riding unrestrained, the driver will receive a citation for each unrestrained passenger under 18 years of age

34 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Findings: There were 61 deaths among the 15-17 year old age group; 34% were reported to not wear their seatbelt (when restraint use was known and applicable) There were 38 deaths among the 5-14 year old age group;

Figure 26: Reviewed Motor Vehicle-Related Deaths by Restraint

Reviewed MotorUVseehiaclne-dReAlagteed, D2e0a0th6s (bNy =R1e3st0ra)int

Use and Age, 2006 (N=130)

Infant

25 21

1 to 4 5 to 9 10 to 14

20

15 to 17

Number of Deaths

67% were reported to not wear

their seatbelt (when restraint

15

use was known and applicable)

15 16 14

Facts: Some death investigations reveal there is difficulty identifying if restraints were worn or not, leaving a high unknown category based on CFR committee reports Child restraint systems are

10
66 5
2
0 Present, not used

12
None in Vehicle

6 3
21

11

Used Correctly

Used Incorrectly

Figure 26 shows restraint use with age breakdown

10

10

5 4 3 1

Unknown

Not Applicable

extremely effective when

properly installed and used in

passenger cars. They reduce the

risk of death by 71% for infants

and 54% for children ages 1-4

years (Safe Kids, 2005)

Findings: White children are at a higher risk (67%) than African-

FigureFa2nig7du:PreRrGo2ep7eov:nriteRdioweenv,rei2eda0wn0eM6ddo(MNPt=oor1otro3pVr0o)Verehthiiicocllnee-,-RR2e0ela0ltae6tde(DNde=aD1the3sa0bt)yhsRabcye, RGeancdee,r

American children (22%) of

70

dying in a motor vehicle-related

60

crash

White males continue to have

50 44.6

the highest proportion of deaths

Across all racial groups, motor vehicle-related deaths among

Percent of Reviewed MVC
Deaths

males occurred more often than

for females

Facts: Nationally in 2006, it was reported that on any weekday,

40

30

22.3

20

15.4

10

6.2

8.5

3.1

0

White Male

White Female

A-A Male

A-A Female

Other Male

Other Female

nearly once every two hours, a

# of MVC Deaths (N=130) 58

29

20

8

11

4

teen died in a traffic crash

Percent

44.6

22.3

15.4

6.2

8.5

3.1

According to the Georgia

Governor's Office of Highway Safety, contributing factors for

Figure 27 shows breakdown of motor vehicle deaths by Race, Gender and Proportion

young driver deaths included:

losing control, unsafe speed,

wrong side of the road, and

failure to yield

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 35

Findings: Of the backseat passengers who died, older teenagers (1517 years) accounted for the highest percentage of deaths The most common position for children who died in motor vehicle-related injuries was either as the operator or back seat passenger Forty-two percent of all back seat passengers were reported as not wearing a seat belt

Number of Deaths

FigFuirgeur2e 82:8:MMoottoorr VVeehhicilce-lRe-eRlaeteladtDeedatDhsebaythPsosbitiyonPaot sTiimtioe nof aIntjuTriym, e of

2006 (N=130)

Injury, 2006 (N=130)

40

34

36

35

30

25

22

20

20

15

10

10

7

Fact:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children younger than 13 years ride in the back seat

5

0

26.2%

16.9%

15.4%

27.7%

5.4%

Operator

Pedestrian Front Seat Back Seat Passenger Passenger

Bicyclis t

Figure 28 shows the position of the decedent at time of death

7.7%

1 0.8%

Other (Skateboard,
Airplane, Etc.)

Unknown

Findings: Fifty-nine percent of pedestrian related fatalities involved toddlers Teenagers ages 15-17 years had the second highest percentage of pedestrian-related deaths

Figure 29: Reviewed Motor Vehicle-Related Deaths Involving PedestriaFnigduerec2e2dbe: RntesviebwyeAd Mgeotaonr VdePhircolep-Roerltaitoend,D2e0a0th6s I(nNv=o2lv0in)g Pedestrian Decedents by Age and Proportion, 2006 (N=20)

70

60

59.1

Facts:

50

Toddler deaths were attributed to being in a roadway

Percent of Reviewed MVC

40

unattended or in a driveway

Deaths

30

Pedestrian roadside safety

education programs may

20

13.6

influence children's behavior

more than classroom education

10

Pedestrian injury and death prevention programs must be

0 1 to 4

10 to 14

multi-faceted with four factors

Number of Deaths

13

3

that include the environment,

Percent

59.1

13.6

vehicle, driver, and the supervisor (Schieber & Vegega, Figure 29 shows pedestrian deaths by age and proportion

2002)

27.3
15 to 17 6
27.3

17 y/o girl was operating a moped with an 11 y/o passenger and ran a red light; neither had helmets
36 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Finding: There has been an overall decrease in motor vehiclerelated deaths over the past five years

Figure 30: Motor Vehicle-Related Death Rates per 100,000 Teens Age
Figur1e5-3170,:TMhroeeto-YreVareMhiocvlien-gRAevleartaegde, 1D9e9a4-t2h0s06R(BaatesesdponerO1A0S0IS,0D0a0taT) eens 6A0ge 15-17, Three-Year Moving AverWahigt eeM,a1l e994-2A0-A0M6a(l Oe ASIS)

Whi t e Femal e

A -A Femal e

50

Death Rate (per 100,000 teens age 15-17)

Facts:

40

In Georgia, 43 children ages one

to nine years died in 2006 from 30
motor vehicle-related injuries.

The National Highway Traffic

and Safety Administration

20

suggests that children grow up

safe by following four steps:

10

o Rear-facing car seats o Forward-facing car seats o Booster Seats o Seat Belts

0 94-96 95-97 96-98 97-99 98-00 99-01 00-02 01-03 02-04 03-05 04-06
3 Year Periods

As of January 1, 2007, any 16

year old who obtains a Class D drivers license must have

Figure 30 shows motor vehicle-related deaths since 1994

completed a driver education

course and 40 hours of

supervised driving

Opportunities for Prevention: For Parents
Support and demonstrate proper seat belt use on every ride
Research and support the Graduated License program
Set good examples in the vehicle by not speeding, talking on the cell phone, or eating while driving
Set up a driver agreement with your teenager
For Young Drivers Do not consume alcohol or ride with someone who has Wear a seat belt every time you ride in a vehicle and enforce that passengers with you do the same Obey traffic rules and laws that govern everyone's safety
For Community Leaders and Policy-makers Support the work of groups such as the Young Adult Driver Task Team through the Georgia Strategic Highway Safety Plan (2007-2008) Support a progressive amendment to the current safety belt law by increasing the fine and points additions Support changes to the current child restraint law to increase booster seat use beyond six years of age

Amend the current safety belt law to require safety belts be mandatory in pick-up trucks
Continue to support and improve the Georgia Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA)
Resources: American Academy of Pediatrics www.aap.org
Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety www.gohs.state.ga.us
www.gahighwaysafety.org
Georgia Young Adult Driver Task Team http://extension.caes.uga.edu/gtipi/
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration www.nhtsa.dot.gov
Schieber RA, Vegega ME (editors) Reducing Childhood Pedestrian Injuries: Proceedings of a Multidisciplinary Conference. Atlanta, GA: CDC, NCIPC, 2002 www.cdc.gov
Safe Kids USA www.usa.safekids.org www.preventinjury.org

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 37

Drowning Deaths

Drowning continues to be the second leading cause of

of water to include warning signs and life saving device

unintentional deaths to children in Georgia. Most drowning stations (e.g., reach and throw poles and life jackets).

deaths occurred to the toddler age group (60%) with the

majority of deaths occurring in private pools. Teenagers

What is characterized as a drowning death?

15-17 years of age accounted for the second highest group Drowning deaths occur from water-related submersion

with 100% of deaths occurring in natural bodies of water. and asphyxia, and include deaths involving public and

According to the CDC, for every child who dies from

private swimming pools, natural open water (rivers, lakes,

drowning, another four receive emergency care for nonfatal oceans, and ponds), bathtubs, and other bodies of water.

submersion injuries. Of the 1-4 year-old age group, CFR

Occasionally, other areas may include drainage ditches and

committees identified 95% of the children did not have

septic tanks.

adequate supervision based on death scene investigation

reports containing this information.

How does GA compare to the U.S. average?

Across the United States, a swimming pool is the most

There are many ways to prevent fatal and nonfatal drowning common site for toddler drowning deaths, and males

including deliberate and non negotiable supervision, pool are four times more likely than females to die from

barrier regulations and enforcement, parental diligence

unintentional drowning (CDC), which is the same for

regarding door alarms, and locked access to pool areas.

Georgia. Nationally, Southern states have the highest

The statistics continue to show the need for diligence in

accidental drowning rates, while Western states are second

ensuring our youth learn to swim and understand how to

highest. According to NCIPC, the 2005 United States'

rescue someone from drowning. Specificity in life saving

drowning child death rate was 1.33 per 100,000 children,

and strong swimming skills can save lives. Additionally,

while Georgia's was 1.74, in 2005.

more prevention efforts should be aimFeidgunreear3n1a:tRureavl ibeowdeidesDrowning Deaths by Age,

2006 (N=35)

Figure 31: Reviewed Drowning Deaths by Age, 2006 (N=35)

15 to 17 7 (20%)

Drowning Deaths

10 to 14 3 (9%)
5 to 9 4 (11%)

1 to 4 21 (60%)

Figure 31 shows drowning deaths by age categories Findings:
Sixty percent of reviewed drowning deaths occurred among children ages 1 to 4 years Twenty percent of reviewed drowning deaths occurred among children ages 15 to 17 years
Facts: Drowning happens suddenly as children may slip into water very quickly without screaming or splashing around Active supervision is critical, especially for young children. According to Safe Kids (2008), a survey of parents in 2007 revealed the following: "When parents of a child under age five are the caregiver, only 15 percent said they can always physically reach their child. Forty-five percent overall said they usually know where their child is but are not always able to see or reach the child." Young child drowning deaths are often linked to lack of adequate supervision in Georgia
38 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Finding: Overall, males accounted for 83% of all the drowning deaths, with White males comprising 54%

Fact:

Nationally, the CDC reports that drowning rates are lower in White children when compared with AfricanAmerican, American Indian and Alaskan Native children

FiguFrieg3u2r:eR3ev2i:ewReedvDierowwneidngDDreoawthsnbinygRaDcee,aGthensdebryanRdaPcroep,oGrtieonn,der and

2006 (N=35)

Proportion, 2006 (N=35)

60 54.3
50

40

Percent of

Reviewed

30

Drowning Deaths

20

10

0
# of Deaths (N=35) Percent

White Male 19 54.3

11.4
White Female 4
11.4

28.6
Black Male 10 28.6

2.9

2.9

Black Female Other Female

1

1

2.9

2.9

Figure 32 shows proportion of child drowning deaths by Race and Gender

Findings: For children ages 1-4 years, 62% died in private swimming pools Natural bodies of water were the location for 100% of the 15-17 year old drowning deaths There were no deaths in public swimming pools or bathtubs during 2006
Facts: Toddlers do not have the cognitive ability to understand consequences of deep water or swimming without a life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Arm floats or pool foam noodles are not life saving devices, yet some caregivers continue to use them on a regular basis Most young children who drowned in pools were last seen in the home, or had been out of sight less than five minutes

Figure 33: Reviewed Deaths Due to Drowning in Natural Bodies of FWiWgautearretea3nr3d:aPRnriedvvaiPteewrSievwdaimDteemaiStnhgws PiDmouoemlstobinyDgMroPo(wNnont=ihon3glos1finO)bNcycautMurrroeanlncBteho,d2oi0ef0s6Oof(cNc=u31r)rence, 2006
8

7

Private Simming Pool

1

Natural Body of Water

6

5 Number of Reviewed 4 Drowning Deaths
3
2
1
0

2

2

6

3

44

3

1

2

1 11

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Month of Occurrence
Figure 33 shows the number of deaths, month of occurrence, and location of drowning. Chart excludes four deaths occurring in other locations

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 39

Findings: Overall, drowning death rates are decreasing The drowning death rate for African-American males and females has decreased significantly The drowning death rate for White males has increased slightly, while the drowning death rate for White females has remained the same

Figure 3F4ig:uDrer3o4w: nDirnowgnDingeaDtehathRRaatetess ppeerr10100,000,00C00hilCdrhenilAdgreen0-1A7g, e 0-17, Three-YTehraere-MYeoavr iMngovAingveArvaergaege, ,11999944--2200060(6Ba(BseadsoendOAoSnISODAaStaI)S Data)

5

4.5

4

3.5

3 Death Rate (per

100,000 children 2.5

age 0-17)

2

Whi t e M al e Whi t e Femal e

A -A M al e A -A Femal e

Fact:

1.5

Drowning remains the second

1

leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths to children ages 1-14 years, based on CDC

0.5
0 94-96 95-97 96-98 97-99 98-00 99-01 00-02 01-03 02-04 03-05 04-06

research

3 Year Periods

Figure 34 reveals drowning death trends since 1994

Opportunities for Prevention:

For parents

For community leaders and policy makers

Install a four-sided barrier

Consider sponsoring community-wide swimming lessons/water safety

around a private home pool with

instruction for children of all ages, but mostly for adolescents

a four foot high vertical fence.

Empower, implement and enforce local ordinances requiring four-

Optimal barrier devices will

sided isolation fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates for private

separate the house and yard from

pools across the state. In January 2007, the state of Georgia adopted

the pool

the international building code, Appendix G, requiring all private pools

Never leave a child unsupervised

to have barrier devices. Enforcement of such codes is up to the local

around water. Children should

authorities to implement

not have immediate access

to a water source without

For professionals

adult supervision. There is

Raise awareness of safety devices to help parents keep the home

no substitute for diligent

environment safe such as: door alarms for outside entrance, safety gates,

supervision

toilet cover locks, door knob covers

Be familiar with other adults'

Support and raise awareness for reduced cost or free swimming lessons

perception of safety if they care

for youth

for your child and they have a

Improve safety awareness at neighborhood pools and apartment/hotel

swimming pool or hot tub/spa

pools so that all may be aware of the issue

Use layers of protection

Mother thought father was watching child and father thought mother was. Child

including active supervision,

had wandered into neighbor's backyard, jumped into pool and drowned

locked gates on all fencing,

door alarms, and a safe pool environment where all the adults are aware of safety Do not drink alcohol while

Resources: CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention www.cdc.gov/ncipc/

supervising children, especially around water Children should learn how to

National Drowning Prevention Alliance www.ndpa.org

swim and personal water safety techniques Do not use arm floats/foam

Safe Kids USA www.usa.safekids.org

noodles as a measure of security in the water. Use Coast Guard approved PFDs (CDC, 2008)

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission www.cpsc.gov

40 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Fire-Related Deaths

Fire-related deaths are the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in Georgia. There were 19 reviewed fire-related child deaths in 2006. Since 2004 (when there were 40 reviewed fire deaths), fire-related deaths have continued to remain lower than in subsequent years reported.
The most common fire structure was wood frame (53%) and source was more often matches/lighters when known. Committees found 78% of fire deaths to be definitely preventable and 22% to be possibly preventable. In 2002, the CDC reported fire deaths to children to be the third leading cause of accidental death. Child fatality review data shows fire-related deaths as the fourth leading cause of unintentional deaths to children in Georgia.
Nationally, fire-related injuries or deaths are not perceived as a major problem, according to the United States Fire Administration (USFA). Across the United States, residential structures are inferior to the public building technology available. The USFA reports that the majority of fires occur in residential areas, where the knowledge of sprinkler systems and fire containment is not "widely used" like that in public facilities (USFA, 2007). The USFA

suggests that safety built into homes and practicing safety behaviors is where we "fall short" (USFA, 2007). Across the U.S., the majority of fire deaths are caused by arson and smoking.
What is included in the definition of fire-related death? A fire-related death is one resulting from fire or burn injuries sustained in a fire, and includes deaths from smoke inhalation.
How does GA compare with the U.S. average? Fire deaths across the United States have declined by 20% since 1995; however, the fire death rate continues to be the fourth highest in the world according to the World Fire Statistic Centre. The annual costs associated with natural disasters are only a fraction of those associated with fires. Georgia's fire death rate in 2004 was 19.9 while the national rate was 13.6 (per million population. The USFA reported in 2007 that most of the southern states continued to have a fire death rate of 20 or more per million population. Georgia was not listed as one of the highest Southeastern states and our rate continues to decline. According to NCIPC, the United State's residential fire-related child death rate was 0.64 per 100,000, while Georgia's was 0.58, in 2005.

Figure 35: ReviewFDeiegdautrFheisr3be5y-:RARegeelva,it2ee0wd0e6dD(FNeir=ae1t-9hR)selabtyedAge, 2006 (N=19)

10 to 14 3 (16%)

15 to 17 1 (5%)

1 to 4 9 (47%)

Fire-Related Deaths

5 to 9 6 (32%)
Figure 35 shows fire-related deaths by age and proportion
Findings: Toddlers account for the majority of child deaths due to fire Children ages 5-9 years account for the second highest age group
Facts: In the United States, children under the age of five are "more than twice as likely to die from a residential fire than the rest of the country's population" (USFA, 2003) A resident's risk of death from fire is cut in half with at least one working smoke alarm
2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 41

Finding: A higher percentage of firerelated deaths occurred among African-American children

Fact:

In the U.S., African-Americans have higher fire-related death rates than the rest of the population

FigureFPirg3oup6ro:ertR3io6en:v,R2iee0v0wi6eew(dNPed=rFo1Fi9iprr)eeo--rRRteieolalnatet,de2dD0e0Da6teha(sNtbh=ys1R9ba)cye,RGaecnede, rGaendnder and
60 52.6
50

40

Percent of

Reviewed Fire- 30

Related Deaths

21.1

21.1

20

10

0
# of Deaths (N=19) Percent

White Male 4
21.1

5.3
White Female 1 5.3

A-A Male 4
21.1

A-A Fem ale 10 52.6

Figure 36 shows proportions of fire deaths by Race and Gender

Finding: Fifty-three percent of children were determined to be supervised adequately at the time of the death

Fact:

Active supervision of children around matches, lighters, open flames, and space heaters is critical for overall injury prevention

FFiigguurere373: 7R:eRvieewveidewFiered-RFeilarete-dRDeelaatthesdbyDAedaetqhusatebSyuApedrvesqiounaatned ProportioSnu, 2p0e0r6v(iNs=io19n) and Proportion, 2006 (N=19)

60 52.6
50

40 Percent of Reviewed 30 Fire-Related Deaths
20

26.3 15.8

10

5.3

0 Yes

No

Unknown

N/A

# of Deaths (N=19)

10

5

3

1

Percent

52.6

26.3

15.8

5.3

Adequate Supervision

Figure 37 shows fire-related deaths by level of supervision
Mom worked the night shift and was napping in a room. Decedent and brother were in their bedroom playing with trigger lighter and caught some wrapping paper on fire

42 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Figure F3i8g:urFeir3e8-:RFeirlea-tReedlaDteedaDtheaRthaRteastesppeerr11000,,000000CChihldirlednreAngeA0g-1e7,0-17, ThreeT-hYreea-rYMe aor vMinogvinAgvAevreargagee,,1199944--2200006 6(B(aBsae dseondOoAnSOISADSaItSa) Data)

5

Whi t e M al e

A -A M al e

4.5

Whi t e Femal e

A -A Femal e

4

3.5

3 Death Rate (per

100,000 children 2.5

age 0-17)

2

1.5

1

0.5

0 94-96 95-97 96-98 97-99 98-00 99-01 00-02 01-03 02-04 03-05 04-06
3 Year Periods
*Rates could not be calculated for White Females for the 96-98 and 97-99 periods (<5 deaths)

Findings:

Figure 38 shows fire-related deaths since 1994

Fire deaths have shown an overall decline for all race/gender groups since 1994

The average fire-related fatality rate for African-American males and females was less than two per 100,000

children in 2006, still more than twice as high as the average rates for White males and females

Fact:

Through a partnership with the CDC, Georgia's Department of Human Resources reported that smoke alarms were provided to local fire departments for distribution across the state. Over the past five years, more than 20,000 detectors have been distributed, potentially saving 100 lives (GA DHR, 2006)

Opportunities for Prevention: For parents
Prepare and practice a fire escape route include teaching children: "once outside, stay outside" Have at least two working smoke alarms, one on every floor of the home if possible Decrease risk factors for possible fires including: alcohol consumption, smoking, especially in the bed, and fire
activities during the winter months Educate older siblings to inform an adult if a young child has matches or lighters

For community leaders and policy makers Encourage local fire marshals to enforce home safety regulations for all types of dwellings Continue to provide funding sources for smoke detectors Provide funding for portable fire extinguishers

For professionals Continue to work with local fire departments and support smoke alarm distribution awareness programs
Resources: Georgia Department of Human Resources http://health.state.ga.us/programs/injuryprevention/firesafety.asp

U.S. Fire Administration / National Fire Data Center www.usfa.dhs.gov/ www.usfaparents.gov/
2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 43

Asphyxia Deaths

Unintentional asphyxia claims more infant lives each year preventable and can be decreased through education of all

than any other age group, occurring mostly during sleep.

age groups and proper adult supervision

During 2006, there were 32 asphyxia deaths from children

ages birth-17 years. In this section, the emphasis is on

How does GA compare with the U.S. average?

children older than age one (n=12), as infant asphyxia

According to NCIPC, the United States unintentional

is discussed in the sleep-related death section. Toddlers

asphyxia child death rate was 1.39 per 100,000 children,

accounted for 67% of asphyxia deaths for children ages 1-17 while Georgia's was 1.32 in 2005. Safe Kids reports that

years, with food being the primary cause.

choking is a common cause of toy-related deaths and

children are at risk from "hidden hazards" in the home.

What is included in the definition of unintentional-related Asphyxia may also occur when children are running or

asphyxia?

playing while eating or if they are involved with activities

Asphyxia occurs when there is an extreme decrease

such as the "choking game," where breathing is cut off

of oxygen in the body, accompanied by an increase in

momentarily to achieve a "high" without the effects of drugs

carbon dioxide, and usually caused by an interruption of

or alcohol.

breathing or suffocation. These types of death are definitely

Findings: There were 12 asphyxia deaths among children ages 1-17 years;

FigurFeig3u9re: 3R9:eRveievwieweeddAAsspphhyxyiaxiDaeDathesabtyhsCabuyseCanaduIsnefanatnvds. INnofna-nt vs. Infant, 2006 (N=32N) on-Infant, 2006 (N=32)

the majority were attributed

to items in the mouth (i.e., choking)

14 12 12

Unintentional hangings were reported in three children between the ages of 4 and 17 years old
Asphyxia caused by food was determined only in the toddler

10

Number of Reviewed Asphyxia Deaths

8

6

4

2

0

Infant
33 11

Age 1-17

4

3

3

11

age group. Items included a

grape, pretzel, popcorn, and

candy

Asphyxia Deaths

OObOjbtjehecectrt//bpboeorddsyyoppnaarorttvceerolxvaeeryrt/rpomrlloeWusoetsvdhu/egrrine.no...gs.e Unknown
Object/boSdympallartobcjoevcte/rtomy ioHnuatnhFm/goiononuotdgshe Wedging

Fact: Households with older children

Cause

in the family may increase the risk of choking in young

Figure 39 shows asphyxia deaths by cause, separating infant from other ages

children because toys with small parts may be more accessible

asphyxiation games Talk to children and adults who work with children

Opportunities for Prevention:

regarding the consequences of choking games

For Parents Warn children about the "choking game" activity, because often they are unaware of the extreme lethal consequences Consider talking to your child's friend's parents, if

For Professionals Engage schools with the DARE curriculum Implement and complete an official GASP trainer certified program

you suspect your child has been experimenting with

asphyxiation

Resources:

Keep small objects out of reach of toddlers and

Games Adolescents Shouldn't Play

teach children not to run or play with food or small

www.stop-the-choking-game.com

toys

Safe Kids USA

For Community Leaders and Policy Makers

www.safekids.org

Educate parents about warning signs associated with

44 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Intentional Injury-Related Deaths

Most child fatalities stem from medical causes or are the result of unintentional circumstances. However, every year a substantial number of children die as a result of intentional injuries. Intentional injuries are those which are purposely inflicted either by oneself or by another person. It also includes a willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for the

safety of others during the course of action (for example, a child killed by a stray bullet).
Intentional injuries are separated into two major categories: Homicide and Suicide. In 2006, local committees reviewed 56 child homicides and 26 child suicides. When compared to 2005 data, there was a slight increase in both categories: child homicides (50), child suicides (20).

Intentional Injury-Related Deaths / Homicide

Homicide

According to global studies, the United States has the highest child homicide rate among developed countries. Additionally, in the U.S. homicide is the only major cause of childhood death that has increased in incidence during the past 30 years. While deaths of children resulting from accidents, congenital defects, and infectious diseases were declining, child homicides were increasing. More children 0-4 years of age in the U.S. die from homicide than from infectious diseases or cancer, and homicide claims the lives of more teenagers than any cause other than motor vehicle accidents (U.S. Census Bureau).
The Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence has reported that funding for violence "after the fact" (e.g., prisons) is higher than for a preemptive system to prevent violence in our communities. Basically, more money

is allocated to reacting to national violence than is to preventing this public health problem. It is imperative that we reverse this trend in order to effectively address the devastating impact of violence in our society.
What is the included in the definition of homicide? Homicide occurs when a person purposely, knowingly, recklessly, or negligently causes the death of another.
How does Georgia compare with the U.S. average? According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the U.S. child homicide rate was 2.53 per 100,000, while Georgia's child homicide rate was 2.11 in 2005. This is a significant decrease in Georgia when compared to the state rate of 3.29 in 2004.

Figure 40: Reviewed Homicide Deaths by Mechanism of Injury, Figure 40: Reviewed Homic2id0e06De(aNt=hs56b)y Mechanism of Injury, 2006 (N = 56)

Firearm 41.1%

23

Struck By 30.2%

17

Shaken Baby 14.3%

8

Suffocation 5.4%

3

Cut/Stabbed 5.4%

3

Fire 3.6%

2

0

5

10

15

20

25

Reviewed Deaths

Figure 40 shows the mechanism of injury for the 56 children whose deaths were homicides in 2006
Findings: Firearms were determined to be involved in 23 (41%) of the 56 homicide deaths Seventeen homicide deaths (30%) were attributed to violent force or impact resulting from being struck by an object or a weapon of some sort

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 45

Fact: The homicides of young children are among the most difficult to document because they often resemble deaths that are unintentional and other causes. For example, a child who has been thrown or intentionally dropped may have injuries similar to those of one who died from an unintentional fall

Findings:

Figure 41: Reviewed Homicide Deaths by Age, 2006 (N = 56)

Thirty-eight percent of

Figure 41: Reviewed Homicide Deaths by Age, 2006 (N=56)

reviewed child homicides

occurred among 15-17 year olds

Infant

Thirty-four percent of reviewed

9 (16.1%)

homicides occurred among 1-4 year olds

15 to 17 21 (37.5%)

Fact:

Homicide incidence among

children significantly decrease

between ages 5-14, particularly after reaching school age

10 to 14

1 to 4 19 (33.9%)

1 (1.8%) 5 to 9

6 (10.7%)

Figure 41 shows the number of deaths by age category for the 56 children whose deaths were homicides in 2006

Findings:

African-American males

Figure 42: Race/Gender Proportion for Reviewed Homicide

continued to be the highestrisk group for homicides representing almost half (45%)

Race/Gender ProportiDoenafothrsR,e2v0ie0w6e, d(NH=o5m6i)cide Deaths, 2006
(N = 56)

of all homicide deaths

30

The number and proportion

of homicide deaths between

25

African-American females and

20

White males were equal

Percent of Deaths

15

Fact:

Studies indicate a disproportionate rise in the risk of homicide for non-White youth

10 5
0 White Male

Race/Gender Proportion # Deaths (N = 56)

21.4 12

White Female
8.9 5

A-A Male A-A Female

44.6 25

21.4 12

Figure 42 shows race and gender proportions for the 56 children whose deaths were homicides in 2006
46 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Findings: Natural fathers are identified as perpetrators in three of the nine infant homicides Head of household data suggest that the fathers who perpetrated these homicides lived in the home with the child at the time of death

Fact:

The majority of fatal injury deaths among infants is due to abusive head trauma, also known as Shaken Baby/ Shaken Impact Syndrome, which occurs when an infant is violently shaken or thrown against a hard surface

Figure 43: Number of Infant Homicide Deaths with Perpetrator Number of InfantIdHeonmtiifcieidde, 2D0e0a6th(Ns =w9i)th Perpetrator Identified, 2006 (N=9)

4

3

3

Number of

2

Infant Homicide2

Deaths

1

1

1

1

1

0
Mother's Signif ic ant
Other

Natural Mother

Natural Father

Other Acquaintance

No

Relative

Relationship

Identified Perpetrator

Figure 43 depicts identified perpetrator in infant homicides

Findings: Mothers' significant others were identified as perpetrators in seven of the nineteen homicides of 1-4 year olds Natural fathers were identified as perpetrators in six of the nineteen homicides of 1-4 year olds

Fact:

A significant number of homicides involving young children are labeled "altruistic killings." Between 15 percent and 30 percent of homicides of children under age ten are related to adult suicides. The parent decides to commit suicide, and can't bear to leave the child behind (UCI, 1999)

Figure 44: Reviewed Homicide Deaths by Age, 2006 (N=56) Number of 1-4 year old Homicide Deaths with Perpetrator Identified, 2006 (N=19)

8 7
Number of6 Toddler 5 Homicide 4 Deaths 3 2
1 0

7 6

2

2

1

Natural Mother

Natural Father

Mother's Signif ic ant
Other

Other Relative

Identified Perpetrator

Adoptive Mother

1
Babysitter

Figure 44 depicts identified perpetrators for toddler homicides

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 47

Findings: Unlike homicides of children under age 12, relatively few

FigurNeu4m5:bNeruomfb1e5r-1o7fy1e5a-r17olydeHaor molidcidHeoDmeicaitdhes Dweitahths with PPeerrppeettrraatotorrIdIdeenntitfiiefide,d2,020060(6N(=N2=12) 1)

teen homicides are committed

by relatives

9

A high percentage of teen

8

homicides are perpetrated by other teens
Fact:

7

Number of Teen6

Homicide 5

Deaths 4

3

2

The dramatic increase in the number of older teen homicides has been attributed to various

2

1

1

1

1

0

Stepfather Sibling Babysitter No

8 6
2
Friend Acquaintance Stranger

factors, including the rise in

Relationship

child poverty, expansion of gang

Identified Perpetrator

activity, prevalent drug use, and increased accessibility of Figure 45 depicts identified perpetrator for older teenager homicides

firearms (OJJDP, 2001)

Opportunities for Prevention For Parents
Increase self-awareness by recognizing personal stressors, anxieties, and triggers Seek assistance when feeling overwhelmed or stressed Reduce access to lethal weapons by securing firearms
For community leaders and policy makers Create incentives for parents to attain pre and post-natal parent training programs to avail them with the knowledge and skills to appropriately respond to child-related stressors Establish strong, positive community support networks that are comprised of faith based entities, neighborhood associations, and local service agencies Increase public awareness of the warning signs of child maltreatment and encourage community members to report child maltreatment to child protective service agencies
For professionals Provide respite care to assist parents and caregivers who are overwrought with stress Increase support for violence prevention programs Promote firearm safety to ensure that guns are secured and inaccessible to children and youth Implement in-school and after-school programs designed to engage young child and teens in positive activities Link young parents with parent mentors for the purpose of developing and maintaining relationships rooted in modeling impulse control, anger and stress management, and other positive parenting behaviors

Resources: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/
National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center http://www.safeyouth.org/

The parents were engaged in a domestic altercation. The mother fled the home and the father killed the children and
himself.

48 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Suicide

Suicide

In the United States, suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), surpassed only by unintentional injuries and homicide. Young children have a much lower incidence of suicide. The CDC also reports that about four children out of every 500,000 below the age of 12 commit suicide annually, according to the CDC. Commonly, teen and adult suicides begin with an idea, proceed with a plan, and end with action. Conversely, child suicide is more likely to be spontaneous and less connected to psychiatric disorders or aggression. Instead of hanging, cutting, or using a firearm, children tend to kill themselves by doing things their parents have warned them against, such as running into traffic or jumping out of a window. This makes it very difficult to distinguish between suicide and unintentional injuries. Consequently, this calls for a more extensive investigation by highly trained professionals to ensure accurate death coding.

What is included in the definition of Suicide? Suicide is the act of voluntary and intentional self-harm (by asphyxia/suffocation, cutting, poisoning, firearms or falls), which results in death.
How does Georgia compare with the U.S. average? According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the child death rate from suicide in Georgia (0.95) is comparable to the U.S. child suicide death rate (1.39) in 2005. Both have remained relatively constant over the past two decades. In 2006, there were 26 child suicides in Georgia which is a slight increase compared to 20 child suicides in 2005. Georgia's suicide death rates have fluctuated over the past few years with 30 child suicides in 2003, decreasing to 26 child suicides in 2004.

Figure 46: RReevviiewweeddSSuuiciicdiedDeeDatehastbhysMbeythModeothf Doedatohf, Death, 2006 200(6N(=N2=6)26)

Asphyxia

15

Firearm

10

Jump f rom Height

1

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Num ber of Deaths

Figure 46 shows the mechanism of death for the 26 children who committed suicide in 2006
Findings: The highest number of child suicide deaths was due to asphyxia/suffocation by hanging (15) Firearms were determined to be involved in ten (38%) of the 26 suicide deaths which is comparable to 2005
Fact: The risk of suicide increases dramatically when children have access to firearms at home, and nearly 60% of all suicides
in the United States are committed with a gun (Kids Health 2008)

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 49

Findings: Twenty-six suicide deaths occurred among older teens, an increase from 14 (70%) in 2005 There were five suicide deaths among 10-14 year olds which has decreased (from six in 2005 and nine in 2004)
Fact: Experts estimate that 20-25% of teens admit to thinking about suicide at some point in their lives

FigFuirgeur4e74:7R: Reevvieiewweedd SSuuiicciiddeeDDeeaathtshsbybAygAe,g2e0,0260(N06=(2N6=) 26)
5 to 9, 1 (4%) 10 to 14, 4 (15%)
15 to 17, 21 (81%)

Figure 47 shows the age breakdown for the 26 children who committed suicide in 2006

Findings: White males had the highest proportion of suicide deaths There were no reviewed suicides for African-American females

Fact:

White males are four times more likely to commit suicide than other race/gender groups, but White females are more likely to attempt suicide

Percent of Deaths

FigureF4ig8u: rRea4c8e: /RGaecne/dGeernPderor PproorptioorntiofnorfoRr ReveiveiewweeddSSuicciiddee Deaths, Death2s0,02600(6N(=N2=6)26)

70.0 60.0 50.0 40.0 30.0 20.0 10.0
0.0

White Male

# Deaths (N = 26) Race/Gender Proportion

13 50.0

White Female
3 11.5

A-A Male
8 30.8

Other (1 Male/1 Female)
2 7.7

Figure 48 shows the number and proportion of reviewed suicides by Race and Gender

50 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

FigureN4u9m:bNeruofmRbeveierwoedf RSueicvidiewDeeadthsSwuitihcRidisek FDaectaotrhs sIdewntiitfihedR, 2i0s0k6 Factors Identifie(dN,=2260) 06 (N=26)

Number of Suicide Deaths
(some deaths had more than one risk
factor identfied)

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

1

0

Alcohol or Drug

Related

6
4 3

Prior Attempts

Recent

Prior Mental

Personal Crisis Health Problems

Risk Factors Identified

7
Previous MH Services

Figure 49 shows other contributing risk factors that were identified for reviewed suicide deaths (there were some suicide deaths with multiple risk factors reported, so the total number shown is higher than the number of suicide deaths)

Findings: In three of the four deaths where the victim had a recent personal crisis, they had also talked of suicide In each of the three cases where the victim had a prior suicide attempt, they had also received mental health services Only one suicide was determined to be alcohol or drug-related
Fact: Approximately one-third of teenage suicide victims have made a previous suicide attempt in the past

Opportunities for Prevention For Parents
Recognize the risk factors and warning signs for suicide Develop and maintain an open, understanding parent-child relationship that fosters communication and trust Closely monitor children for changes in behavior e.g., loss of interest in favorite things Seek professional help when signs of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts have been detected For community leaders and policy makers Promote youth suicide campaigns within local communities Provide suicide prevention and intervention training for school personnel, service providers, and parents For professionals Provide support services so that youth feel comfortable seeking help coping with stress, depression, and/or suicidal
thoughts Educate parents about the seriousness of youth suicide and the importance of recognizing behavioral indicators of
suicide

Resources: Georgia Suicide Prevention Plan http://georgiasuicidepreventionplan.org/
The National Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) http://www.nimh.nih.gov

Victim was reprimanded by his grandmother and became upset. He said that he was going to hang himself. He went
into the house and hung himself on a rope swing.

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 51

Firearm-Related Deaths

During 2006, firearms claimed the lives of 38 children in Georgia, with older teens represented in 71% of the deaths and younger children (ages one to nine), represented in 21% of the deaths. Males accounted for 89% of firearm-related deaths, with 55% of those African-American males. At the time of death, 68% of all firearm-related deaths occurred either at the child's home or at someone else's home.
What is included in the definition of firearms? A firearm is any weapon that fires a high-velocity projectile, and includes rifles, pistols, revolvers, shotguns, handguns, and BB guns.
How does GA compare with the U.S. average? According to NCIPC, the national child death rate due to firearms in 2005 was 2.03, per 100,000 children, while Georgia's rate was 1.80 in 2005. Nationally, more than 75%

of guns used in youth suicide were found in the decedent's residence or another home. In Georgia, ten percent of youth suicides with a firearm occurred in another home and 90% occurred in the decedent's residence. Georgia is among five other Southern states with one of the weakest Child Access Prevention Laws in the nation (LCAV, 2008). Some states institute legislation that imposes criminal liability for negligent storage of a firearm and/or if a child gained access to the firearm regardless of injury or death. Georgia's CAP law prohibits persons from intentionally, knowingly, and/ or recklessly providing handguns to children under 18 years and holds parents liable when "they know of a substantial risk that the minor will use the firearm to commit a crime" (LCAV, 2008) (O.C.G.A. 16-11-101.1). Georgia does not have legislation specific to a minimum age for rifles or shotguns.

Number of Firearm-Related Deaths

Figure 50: Reviewed Firearm-Related Deaths by Age and Race, Figure 50: Reviewed Fir2e0a0rm6 -(RNe=l3a8te)d Deaths by Age and
Race, 2006 (N=38)

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

3

2

1

0

1 to 4

11 2 5 to 9

15 9

11 1 10 to 14

1 11 15 to 17

White Male African-American Female

White Female Other Male

African-American Male

Figure 50 shows age and race breakdown of firearm-related deaths

Firearm-Related Deaths

Findings: African-American males represented the majority of firearm-related deaths (55%) Males outnumber females in firearm-related deaths, representing 89% of this category Ten youth committed suicide with a firearm (one was 10-14 years, nine were 15-17 years) Males of other races/ethnicities accounted for less than one percent of firearm-related deaths

Fact:

Based on information from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (CDC, 2000), male teens are more likely to possess firearms and nine percent of male students reported carrying a gun at least once during the past 30 days preceding the survey

52 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Findings: Homicides account for the largest category of firearmrelated deaths Unintentional firearm-related deaths have decreased from 2004 by 75%. There were 11 unintentional firearm deaths to children in 2004 CFR committees reported teenagers 15-17 years accounted for 74% of homicide by firearm and only two deaths were known to be related to a gang - 24% were unknown for gangs

Figure 51: RFeigvuierwee5d1F: iRreeavr(iImenNw-t=Re3ene8dlt)a,Ft2ei0dre0Da6er(maNt-h=Rs3e8bl)aytIendteDnte, a2t0h0s6 by
Unknown Intent, 1, 3%
Unintentional, 4, 11%

Suicide, 10, 26%

Homicide, 23, 60%

Facts:

Figure 51 shows reported intention of firearm-related deaths

Gangs have emerged since the 1980s and there is a direct relationship between gangs and violence, which can

impose greater drug use, delinquency rates, and violent offenses in communities (Center for the Study and

Prevention of Violence, 2008)

CFR committees found youth with prior state agency involvement accounted for 70% of homicide with a gun

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends children under age 16 not use a BB gun or pellet gun

The National Child Safety Lock Act of 2005 requires that as of April 2006, firearms should be sold with a safety

locking device or secure gun storage. Across the nation, this applies to "any licensed importer, manufacturer, dealer

to sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun to any person, other than another licensee" (U.S. Department of Justice,

2006).

Findings:

More firearm-related deaths occurred in the decedent's own

FigureF5ig2u:reR5e2v:ieRweveiedwFeidreFairremar-mR-eRlealtaeteddDDeeaathhss,,BBaassededonon Location, Locatio2n0, 200606(N(N==3388))

residence

Ninety percent of youth

10

9

suicides occurred in their own home

9

8

7

6

Twenty-six percent of

6

5

5

homicides with a firearm

5

occurred in the decedent's home

4

3

32

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Facts: In the U.S., 35% of homes with children under 18 years have

0 Decedent's Home

Other Home

Hospital Parking Lot Street

Driveway Wooded Area

School

firearms Firearm deaths occur primarily

Unintentional Homicide Suicide Unknown Intent

because of children having access to a firearm. More

Figure 52 shows the reported location of decedent at time of death

firearm deaths occur at a

residence (66%) than anywhere

else

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 53

Finding: Handguns were used in 84% of the firearm-related deaths

FigurFeig5u3r:eR5e3v: iReewveiedwFeidreFairrmea-rRme-lRaeteladteDdeDatehasthbsybTyyTpyepoefoFfirearm, Firear2m0,0260(0N6=(N38=)38)

Number of Firearm-Related Deaths

Facts: More than 50% of U.S. homes have one or more firearms in an unlocked location and 43% have unlocked firearms (meaning loaded, without a trigger or other safety lock mechanism (AJPH, 2000) In Georgia, more firearm deaths are due to handguns, which are specifically addressed in Georgia's law regarding child access to handguns

35

32

30

25

20

15

10

5

0 Handgun

1 Rifle

1 Shotgun

1 Other

3 Unknown

Figure 53 shows type of firearm used in reviewed firearm-related deaths

Opportunities for Prevention: For parents
Enroll youth in hunter education classes that support and promote the safe use of firearms at all times Remind youth how to transport guns safely while hunting or engaging in hunting sports Children may come in contact with a gun at a neighbor's house. It is important parents and caregivers teach children
what to do if a gun is found at another home Store firearms responsibly, utilizing a safety locking device and/or secure storage

For community leaders and policy makers Support hunting education classes that teach youth respect and safety for all types of guns Develop school based firearm safety education classes to demonstrate how to reduce the risk of firearm deaths Consider support of improvements in the current Child Access Prevention Law to improve negligence penalties for inadequate firearm storage

For professionals Promote and train gun owners the use of firearm safety devices and how to keep them locked Teach conflict resolution skills to youth involved in state agency programs

Resources:

American Journal of Public Health www.ajph.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Decedent was involved in a card game with a large group of people. An altercation broke out and the decedent was
shot

www.cdc.gov/ncipc/

Legal Community against Violence www.lcav.org

National Child Safety Lock Act 2005 http://childsafetylockact.com/

University of Colorado's Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence http://www.colorado.edu/cspv

54 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Race, Ethnicity, and Disproportionate Deaths

Race, Ethnicity, and Disproportionate Deaths

In 2006, there were 73.7 million children under age 18 in the circumstances that lead to identified racial disparities in

United States (25% of the U.S. population). This represents child fatalities.

an increase in the child population of more than 50 percent

since 1950. By the year 2030, that number is expected to There are certain circumstances that are presented in other

grow to 85.7 million. The 2006 estimated population in

sections of this report that highlight the racial disparities

Georgia was 9,342,080. The number of children in Georgia seen in child fatalities-for example, infant mortality,

under age 18 was 2,291,227 representing approximately

homicide, and suicide. In 2006, infant mortality among

25% of the total population of the state. Racial and ethnic African-Americans occurred at a rate of 14.1 deaths per

diversity is greater in the adolescent population than in the 1,000 live births. This is more than twice the national

U.S. population as a whole, and diversity among adolescents average of 6.7 deaths per 1,000 live births. Additionally,

is increasing.

infants born to African-American mothers are more than

twice as likely to die in the first year of life as White infants

Georgia population estimates from 2006 suggest that

-- 13.73 African-American infant deaths per 1,000 live births

African-American male children (age 0-17) made up

compared to 5.73 among Whites (Children's Defense Fund).

about 17% of the child population, but 28% of all child deaths. In contrast, White males made up about 31% of the child population, and a proportional 30% of all child deaths. African-American females made up about 17% of the child population and 21% of all child deaths. White females were 29% of the child population, but 21% of all child deaths. Hispanic males made up five percent of the child population and a proportional five percent of all child deaths. Hispanic females also made up five percent of the child population but only two percent of all child deaths. Other racial and ethnic groups were combined (including Asian and American Indian/Alaska Natives) and males in this group made up three percent of the child population in 2006 and one percent of all child deaths. Females in this group made up two percent of the child population and less than one percent of all child deaths. This data suggest that certain subgroups of the population are significantly more (i.e. African-American males) or less (i.e. White females) vulnerable to fatalities when compared to the population as a whole. For this reason, it is important to note the specific

Suicide data show that Hispanic and White non-Hispanic adolescents were more likely than African-American nonHispanic adolescents to have seriously considered suicide. African-American and Hispanic females have the lowest rates of suicide completion. Among 15-19 year old males, American Indians/Alaska Natives have the highest suicide rate - two to four times the rate of any other ethnic/racial group. Among adolescents age 15-19, males are five times more likely than females to become homicide victims. For young African-American males, homicide is the leading cause of death (Act for Youth, 2008).
There are a myriad of factors contributing to disparities among racial/ethnic populations. During these difficult times of economic turbulence, many of the disparities highlighted will worsen as the need for assistance will dramatically increase. Therefore, a collaborative approach to addressing these disparities should be implemented in an effort to mobilize communities to enhance the lives of our children and their families.

Finding: The percent of death are higher among males than

Figure 54: Deaths to Infants and Percent of Population in
Figure 5G4e:oDrgeiatbhys RtoacInefaanndtsGaennddePre, 2rc0e0n6t(Boaf sPeodpounlaDtieoanthin Georgia by Race and Gender, C20e0rt6ifi(cBaatesse)d on Death Certificates)

females for both races, and

40.0

the gender-specific differences

(percent ratios) are slightly

greater among White infants Fact:

Percent

30.0 20.0

The racial gap in infant

10.0

mortality is nearly identical for medical and external causes of death, with the overall rate of infant mortality

0.0
% of Population % of Deaths

White Male 32.1 26.5

White Female 30.5 19.8

A-A Male 16.0 29.1

A-A Female 15.5 23.2

among African-Americans

about 2.2 times higher than Whites

Figure 54 shows the number of deaths to infants and percent of the population by race and gender

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 55

Finding: The racial disparities are not as pronounced for the 1-17 year old age group. Males are more likely to die than females, and the gender difference is greater among White youth than AfricanAmerican youth

Fact:

Age and race differences in adolescent death rates vary by cause of death, but child death rates have dropped dramatically since 1980

FigureF5ig5u: rDee5a5t:hDs etoathCshitlodCrehnild1r-1en7 1a-n1d7 PanedrcPeenrtcoefnPt oofpulation in GeoPrgoipaublaytioRnacineGaenodrgGieanbdyeRr,a2c0e0a6n(dBGaseenddeorn, 2D0e06at(hBCaseerdtificates)
on Death Certificates)

40.0

Percent

30.0 20.0 10.0

0.0
% of Population % of Deaths

White Male 31.1 36.3

White Female 29.4 22.2

A-A Male 17.5 24.7

A-A Female 17.1 15.5

Figure 55 shows the number of deaths to children age 1 -17 and percent of population by race and gender

Finding: The number of deaths among
Hispanic males is significantly higher in the infant population than any other age group

FiguFrigeu5r6e:5H6i:sHpiasnpiacnDiceDatehasthbsybAygAegaenadndGGenedndere,r2, 2000066(N=125)
(N=125)
70 60

Opportunities for Prevention: For Parents
Learn about the importance of maintaining pre-natal health
Seek information regarding effective parenting methods to ensure overall healthy child development

50

Number of

40

Deaths

30

20

10

0

Male Female

Infant 61 26

Age 1-4 13 7

Age 5-9 3 1

Age 10-14 2 2

Age 15-17 6 4

Figure 56 shows the number of deaths among Hispanic children by age and gender For Community Leaders and Policy

Makers

Develop and implement

strategies for educating the community about racial/ethnic

Resources:

disparities Provide diversity training

Act for Youth www.actforyouth.org

to service providers and community advocates

Children's Defense Fund www.childrensdefense.org

For Professionals Educate parents about the

United States Department of Health and Human Services

importance of maintaining

www.os.dhs.gov

healthy lifestyles

Collaborate with community

advocates to increase cultural

awareness and sensitivity 56 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

History of Child Fatality Review in Georgia

History of Child Fatality Review in Georgia
1990 - 1993 Legislation established the Statewide Child Fatality Review Panel with responsibilities for compiling statistics on child fatalities and making recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly based on the data. It established local county protocol committees and directed that they develop county-based written protocols for the investigation of alleged child abuse and neglect cases. Statutory amendments were adapted to: Establish a separate child fatality review committee in each county and determine procedures for conducting reviews
and completing reports Require the Panel to:
o Submit an annual report documenting the prevalence and circumstances of all child fatalities with special emphasis on deaths associated with child abuse
o Recommend measures to reduce child fatalities to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives
o Establish a protocol for the review of policies, procedures and operations of the Division of Family and Children Services for child abuse cases
1996 - 1998 The Panel established the Office of Child Fatality Review with a full-time director to administer the activities of the
Panel Researchers from Emory University and Georgia State University conducted an evaluation of the child fatality review
process. The evaluation concluded that there were policy, procedure and funding issues that limited the effectiveness of the review process. Recommendations for improvement were made to the General Assembly Statutory amendments were adopted to: o Identify agencies required to be represented on child fatality review committees, and establish penalties for non-
participation o Require that all child deaths be reported to the county coroner/medical examiner
1999 - 2001 Child death investigation teams were initially developed in four judicial circuits as a pilot project, with six additional
teams later added. Teams assumed responsibility for conducting death scene investigations of child deaths that met established criteria within their judicial circuit Statutory amendments were adopted which resulted in the Code section governing the Child Fatality Review Panel, child fatality review committees, and child abuse protocol committees being completely rewritten. This was an attempt to provide greater clarity and a more comprehensive, concise format The Panel's budget was increased
2002 2005 The Panel published and distributed a child fatality review protocol manual to all county committee members Statutory amendments were adopted which resulted in the following:
o Appointment of District Attorneys to serve as chairpersons of local committees in their circuits o Authority of the Superior Court Judge on the Panel to issue an order requiring the participation of mandated agencies
on local child fatality review committees. Failure to comply would be cause for contempt o Authority of the Panel to compel the production of documents or the attendance of witnesses pursuant to a subpoena o Director of the Division of Mental Health added as a member of the Panel Funding was secured and an on-line reporting system was established for both the child fatality review report and the coroner/medical examiner report A collaboration was established between the Office of Child Fatality Review and the National Center for Child Death Review The Georgia Child Fatality Investigation Program was established through a partnership between OCFR, DFCS and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. A director was hired to advance a multi-disciplinary approach to child death investigation through development and training of local teams. A Statewide Model Child Abuse Protocol was developed and distributed to all Protocol committee members
2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 57

A Prevention Advocate was added, by policy, to all child fatality review committees. Statewide training was conducted for all prevention advocate members
A quarterly newsletter was created and distributed. The newsletter is sent to all child fatality review members and contains useful information about the process as well as prevention
Annual awards were established for the Child Fatality Review Coroner of the Year and Child Fatality Review County Committee of the Year. Awards are presented at the annual Child Fatality and Serious Injury Conference sponsored by the Panel, DHR, GBI and the Office of the Child Advocate
A sub-committee of the Panel (including several outside agencies) was formed to begin working on a Statewide Prevention Plan
2006-2008 The Child Fatality Review committee protocol was revised and updated to reflect best practices. The Protocol was
presented to all county committee members and is also available online The Panel subcommittee on prevention completed the Statewide Child Fatality Prevention Framework. The Framework
was presented to the Governor's Office and other agency partners An annual award was established for the Outstanding Investigator/Team of the Year for death investigation cases. The CFIT Program expanded to address all types of multi-disciplinary child abuse investigations, including sex abuse,
physical abuse and neglect as well as homicides The Panel added a Prevention Specialist staff position to assist the local efforts in child fatality prevention Annual CFR Coroner of the Year and CFR Committee of the Year winners were recognized by the Georgia Senate
honoring their work The Office of Child Fatality Review merged with the Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children
58 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

CRITERIA FOR CHILD DEATH REVIEWS
Child Fatality Review Committees are required to review the deaths of all children under the age of 18 that meet the criteria for a coroner/medical examiner's investigation.
"Eligible" Deaths or Deaths to be Reviewed by Child Fatality Review Committees

The death of a child under the age of 18 must be reviewed when the death is suspicious, unusual, or unexpected. Included in this definition are incidents when a child dies:

1. as a result of violence

2. by suicide

3. by a casualty (i.e. car crash, fire)

4. suddenly when in apparent good health

5. when unattended by a physician

6.

in any suspicious or unusual mannerA, ePspPeEciaNllDy iIfCunEdeSr 16 years of age

7. after birth but before seven years of age if the death is unexpected or unexplained

8. institution

while an inmate of a state hospital or a state, county, or city penal

9. as a result of a death penalty execution

APPENDICES

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 59

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A APPENDIX A CRITERIA FOR CHILD DEATH REVIEWS
Child Fatality Review Teams are required to review the deaths of all children under the age of 18 that meet the criteria for a coroner/medical examiner's investigation.
"Eligible" Deaths or Deaths to be Reviewed by Child Fatality Review Teams
The death of a child under the age of 18 must be reviewed when the death is suspicious, unusual, or unexpected. Included in this definition are incidents when a child dies:
1. as a result of violence 2. by suicide 3. by a casualty (i.e. car crash, fire) 4. suddenly when in apparent good health 5. when unattended by a physician 6. in any suspicious or unusual manner, especially if under 16 years of age 7. after birth but before seven years of age if the death is unexpected or
unexplained 8. while an inmate of a state hospital or a state, county, or city penal
institution 9. as a result of a death penalty execution
60 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

APPENDIX B

APPENDIX B

Child Fatality Review Team Timeframes and Responsibilities

If child is (r4es0id4e)n2t0o6f -t6he04co3unty, medical examiner or coroner will notify chairperson of child fatality review committee in the child's county of residence within 48 hours of receiving report of child death (Code Section 19-15-3).
Medical examiner or coroner reviews the findings regarding cause of death.

If child is not resident of county, medical examiner or coroner of the county of death will notify the medical examiner or coroner in the county of the child's residence within 48 hours of the death.
Within 7 days, coroner/medical examiner in county of death will send coroner/medical examiner and Chairperson in county of residence a copy of Form 1 along with any other available documentation regarding the death.

Upon receipt, coroner/medical examiner in county of residence will follow outlined procedures

If cause of death meets the criteria for review pursuant Code Section 19-15-3(e), medical examiner or coroner wil4l0complete Form 1 and forward to the chair of the child fatality review committee for review within 7 days of child's death.
Committee meets to review report and conduct investigation into the child death within 30 days of receiving the report.
Committee will complete its investigation within 20 days after the first meeting following the receipt of the medical examiner or coroner's report.

If cause of death does not meet the criteria for review pursuant to Code Section 19-15-3(e), the medical examiner/coroner will complete Sections A, B, and J of Form 1 and forward to the chair of the child fatality review committee within 7 days.

If chair believes death meets the criteria for review, chair will call committee together.

If chair of committee agrees that death does not meet criteria for review, then chairperson signs Section J of Form 1 and forward to the Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel.

If the committee determines that the death resulted from: SIDS without confirmed autopsy report; accidental death when death could have been prevented through intervention or supervision; STD; medical cause which could have been prevented through intervention by agency involvement or by seeking medical treatment; suicide of a child under the custody of DHR or when suicide is suspicious; suspected or confirmed child abuse; trauma to the head or body; or homicide, then the committee will send a copy of the report within 15 days of completion to the district attorney of the county in which the committee was created.

Committee transmits a copy of its report within 15 days of completion to the Office of Child Fatality Review.

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 61

APPENDIX C1

APPENDIX C1 -Total Child Fatalities Based on Death Certificate (N=1,825)

Infant (Age<1) Age 1 to 4 Age 5 to 14 Age 15 to 17

Cause of Death
Fall Firearm Homicide Medical MVA OthInjury Poison SIDS Suffocation Unknown Intent Unknown Total Cause of Death
Drowning Fire Firearm Homicide Medical MVA OthInjury Poison Suffocation Unknown Intent Unknown Total Cause of Death
Drowning Fall Fire Firearm Homicide Medical MVA OthInjury Poison Suffocation Suicide Unknown Intent Unknown Total Cause of Death
Drowning Fall Firearm Homicide Medical MVA OthInjury Poison Suffocation Suicide Unknown Intent Unknown Total

White Male 1
1 251 4 1 2 38 6 1 11 316 White Male 15 3
2 24 13 3
1
3 64 White Male 2
2 1 32 19 7 1 1 2
2 69 White Male 3 1
5 21 41 6 4 1 11 2 1 96

White Female 1 1 1 186 4
35
7 235 White Female 5
2 28 7
2
3 47 White Female
1 1
1 23 9 3
1 1
3 43 White Female
1 19 19 3 2
4
2 50

A-A Male
4 290 6 2
37 2
8 349 A-A Male 2 4 1 7 18 7
4 1
44 A-A Male 3
1
3 34 5 1
1 1 3
52 A-A Male 7
1 13 17 14 2
4 1 1 60

A-A Female 1
2 226 1 1
40 5
2 278 A-A Female
3
5 20 1 2 1
4 36 A-A Female
7
1 24 7
1
1 1 42 A-A Female
3 15 2
20

Other Male
9
1 1 11 Other Male
1
1 Other Male
1
1 Other Male
2 1
3

Other Female 3
2 5 Other Female
1
1 Other Female
0 Other Female
1 1
2

Total
3 1 8 965 15 4 2 150 14 1 31 1194 Total
22 10 1 16 92 28 5 1 7 1 10 193 Total
5 1 9 2 6 113 41 11 1 4 4 4 6 207 Total
10 1 1 22 73 78 12 6 2 19 3 4 231

62 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Infant (Age<1) Age 1 to 4 Age 5 to 14 Age 15 to 17

APPENDIX C2 -Total Reviewed Child Fatalities (N=594)

Cause of Death
Homicide Medical MVA OthInjury SIDS Suffocation SUID Unknown Total Cause of Death
Drowning Fire Firearm Homicide Medical MVA OthInjury Suffocation Unknown Total Cause of Death
Drowning Fire Firearm Homicide Medical MVA OthInjury Poison Suffocation Suicide Unknown Intent Unknown Total Cause of Death
Drowning Fire Homicide Medical MVA OthInjury Poison Suffocation Suicide Unknown Intent Unknown Total

White Male 1 4
11 4 30 3 53 White Male 16 3
4 3 10 1 2 2 41 White Male 2
2 4 19 2 1 1 2
33 White Male 1 1 5 2 29 2 4 1 11 1
57

White Female 1 3 1
8
28 3 44 White Female 3
2 4 6 1 2 2 20 White Female 1 1 1 1 3 7
1 15 White Female
1 2 15 1 2
3
1 25

A-A Male 3 9 2 1 9 5 30 2 61 A-A Male 1 3 2 6 4 5 1 3 3 28 A-A Male 3 1

A-A Female 3 8
6 7 32 3 59 A-A Female
3
6 6 2
1 5 23 A-A Female 1 7

3

1

8

6

5

4

Other Male 1 6 1
2 4 4
18 Other Male
4
1 5 Other Male
1
1

2 3
25 A-A Male 6
13 6 8 1

1
20 A-A Female
2 4 2

2 Other Male
5

5

1

39

8

6

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 63

Other Female
1 2 1 4 Other Female 1
1
2 Other Female
2 1
3 Other Female
2
1
3

Total
9 30 4 1 37 20 126 12 239 Total
21 9 2 19 17 27 3 8 13 119 Total
7 9 2 7 21 38 3 1 3 5 1 1 98 Total
7 1 21 14 61 4 6 1 21 1 1 138

APPENDIX C2

APPENDIX C3

APPENDIX C3 - Reviewed Child Fatalities with Abuse/Neglect Findings (N=116)

Cause of Infant (<1) Death

White Male

White Black Female Male

Black Female

Other Other Male Female

Homicide 1

1

4

2

1

Medical

2

MVA

2

1

OthInjury

1

SIDS

1

3

Suffocation 2

2

2

1

SUID

3

3

6

5

1

Unknown 1

1

2

1

Total

8

7

19

11

3

1

Cause of Age 1 to 4 Death

White Male

White Black Female Male

Black Female

Other Other Male Female

Drowning 9

1

Fire

2

1

Firearm

2

Homicide 3

3

5

5

Medical

1

MVA

4

3

Suffocation 1

Unknown

2

2

Total

20

6

13

5

0

0

Cause of Age 5 to 14 Death

White Male

White Black Female Male

Black Female

Other Other Male Female

Drowning

1

Fire Homicide

1

1

2

1

Medical

2

MVA

3

3

2

2

Poison

1

Total

4

5

5

5

0

0

Cause of Age 15 to 17 Death

White Male

White Black Female Male

Black Female

Other Other Male Female

Homicide

1

1

Medical

1

Suicide

1

Total

1

2

1

0

0

0

Total
9 2 3 1 4 7 18 5 49 Total
10 3 2 16 1 7 1 4 44 Total
1 1 4 2 10 1 19 Total
2 1 1 4

64 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

APPENDIX C4

APPENDIX C.4.A - Preventability for Reviewed Deaths with Suspected or Confirmed Abuse or Neglect (N=115)

Preventability

Cause of Death Not at All Possibly Definitely Missing

Drowning

2

9

Fire

3

1

Firearm

2

Homicide

1

2

28

Medical

2

3

1

MVA

8

12

OthInjury

1

Poison

1

SIDS

4

Suffocation

8

Suicide

1

SUID

10

8

Unknown

7

2

Total

3

37

75

1

APPENDIX C.4.B - Preventability for Reviewed Deaths with No Suspected or Confirmed Abuse or Neglect (N=478)

Preventability

Cause of Death

Not at All Possibly Definitely

Drowning

4

9

11

Fire

4

11

Firearm

1

1

Homicide

2

6

17

Medical

48

26

2

MVA

5

37

68

OthInjury

2

4

4

Poison

6

SIDS

19

14

Suffocation

1

8

15

Suicide

3

15

7

SUID

25

67

16

UnkInt

1

1

Unknown

4

13

1

Total

114

204

160

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 65

APPENDIX D

APPENDIX D
66 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

APPENDIX E

APPENDIX E
2006 Child Fatality Reviews, By County, By Age Groups

Appendix G presents county level data for the Child Fatality Review process in 2006. The data are presented for four age groups (infants less than one year old, children from 1 to 4 years of age, children 5 to 14, and teenagers 15 to 17 years). Four numbers are provided for each age group:
Total Deaths: The total number of deaths (all causes) for that age group. This number is generally based on Georgia death certificate data and only includes deaths to Georgia residents under the age of 18. This includes deaths of Georgia residents that occurred in other states and were reported back to Georgia Vital Records, but it does not include deaths of out-of-state residents that occurred in Georgia. The review committee of the child's county of residence has the responsibility of reviewing deaths. However, the residence determined by the committee may not match the residence reported on the death certificate. If the review committees identified any deaths that occurred to residents of other states and were coded as Georgia residents on the death certificates, then those deaths are not included in the child death statistics presented in this report.
Reviewable Deaths: The number of SIDS/SUID, unintentional, or violencerelated deaths (reviewable deaths) according to the death certificate classifications. Although other deaths due to medical or natural causes may be eligible for review according to OCGA 19-15-3(e), SIDS deaths are explicitly required to be reviewed, and unintentional/violence related deaths should be reviewed as "sudden or unexpected deaths." Thus, this number represents a minimum number of deaths that should be reviewed. This is a subset of total deaths.

The death certificate is not a "perfect" determinant of reviewable deaths. For example, a death certificate may be filed with "R99" (undetermined) for the cause of death. The review committee may have autopsy or toxicology information that identifies a specific cause. If that is a medical cause, the review committee may not complete a review.
Reviewable Deaths Reviewed: The number of SIDS/SUID, unintentional, or violencerelated deaths that were reviewed. This number is a measure of how well a county identified and reviewed the minimum number of appropriate deaths. This is a subset of the total "reviewable" deaths. However, there are several sources of error (or inconsistencies) in the county-level tables. The CFR committee may have access to additional information regarding the death, and the committee may reach a different conclusion regarding the cause of death.
Total Deaths Reviewed: This is the total number of child deaths in 2006 for which a Child Fatality Review Report was submitted. It includes deaths due to natural causes (other than SIDS) in addition to those deaths that were identified as eligible for review. This reflects the work of the committee within the county of residence identified from the death certificates.
One hundred fifteen (115) of 574 "reviewable" CY2006 deaths were not reviewed (in contrast, only five were not reviewed in 2004). There were also 43 reviewed deaths that could not be matched to a death certificate.

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 67

County

All Deaths

All Reviewable Deaths

Reviewable Deaths Reviewed

All Deaths Reviewed

<1 1-4 5-14 15-17 Total <1 1-4 5-14 15-17 Total <1 1-4 5-14 15-17 Total <1 1-4 5-14 15-17 Total

Appling

4

02

6

2

02

4

2

01

3

2

01

3

Atkinson

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

Bacon

110

2

10

1

10

1

10

1

Baker

110

2

110

2

110

2

110

2

Baldwin

321

6

20

2

10

1

11

2

Banks

2

21

5

2

11

4

2

1

3

2

2

4

Barrow

4111

7

3

01

4

3

01

4

4101

6

68 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Bartow

10 2 0 4

16 1

01

2

1

01

2

3301

7

Ben Hill

3

0

3

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

Berrien

3

11

5

2

11

4

2

11

4

2

11

4

Bibb

34 1 9 3

47 6

41

11

5

2

7

5

2

7

Bleckley

12

3

2

2

2

2

12

3

Brantley

110

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

Brooks

4

1

5

0

0

0

0

0

0

Bryan

1121

5

01

1

0

0

0

0

Bulloch

4221

9

1121

5

1121

5

221

5

Burke

622

10 2 2 1

5

221

5

322

7

Butts

4

11

6

2

01

3

2

0

2

2

0

2

Calhoun

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

Camden

5311

10 2 2 0 1

5

2201

5

3201

6

Candler

1

01

2

01

1

01

1

01

1

Carroll

12 2 1 6

21 5 1 1 2

9

5112

9

6114

12

Catoosa

4202

8

3101

5

1101

3

1101

3

Charlton

410

5

110

2

110

2

110

2

Chatham

52 3

6

8

69 6 1 1 5

13

5115

12

12 3 3 7

25

Chatta-

3

0

3

hoochee

0

0

0

0

0

0

Chattooga 1

13

5

12

3

12

3

12

3

Cherokee 9 1 5 4

19 3

13

7

3

13

7

2

24

8

Clarke

7201

10 1 1 0 1

3

110

2

410

5

Clay

1

0

1

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

Clayton

43 6 5 8

62 9 2 4 3

18

8223

15

11 3 2 5

21

Clinch

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 69

County

All Deaths

Cobb

88 14 9 9

Coffee

10 2 0 1

Colquitt

7113

Columbia 11 5 1 2

Cook

6

02

Coweta

9

31

Crawford

0

Crisp

4101

Dade

0

Dawson

01

Decatur

211

DeKalb

76 20 16 17

Dodge

3

01

Dooly

1

01

Dougherty 18

12

Douglas

12 4 5 4

Early

2

1

Echols

0

Effingham 8 2 1 1

Elbert

2

2

Emanuel

4114

Evans

1

0

Fannin

12

Fayette

2

12

Floyd

18 4 2 2

Forsyth

8344

Franklin

2

0

Fulton

96 18 15 17

Gilmer

4111

Glascock

0

Glynn

11 4 2 1

Gordon

8121

Grady

2

1

Greene

3

02

All Reviewable Deaths

120 13 6 5 9

33

13 1 2 0

3

12 2

03

5

19 3

01

4

8

2

02

4

13 1

21

4

0

0

0

6

210

3

0

0

0

1

01

1

4

10

1

129 14 11 9

14

48

4

1

0

1

2

01

1

21 2

11

4

25 5 4 1 2

12

3

1

1

0

0

0

12 3 2 0

5

4

2

2

10

112

4

1

0

0

3

11

2

5

02

2

26 5 3 1 2

11

19

214

7

2

1

0

1

146 19 8 4 12 43

7

2

1

3

0

0

0

18

31

4

12 3 1 2 1

7

3

1

1

2

5

1

01

2

Reviewable Deaths Reviewed

10 6 4 9

29

120

3

2

03

5

3

0

3

2

02

4

1

21

4

0

0

210

3

0

0

01

1

10

1

11 7 7 9

34

1

0

1

01

1

2

1

3

4412

11

1

1

0

0

120

3

2

2

112

4

0

0

11

2

02

2

4311

9

214

7

1

0

1

9427

22

1

1

2

0

0

31

4

112

4

1

1

2

1

01

2

All Deaths Reviewed

14 10 5 9

38

320

5

1104

6

310

4

2

02

4

2

21

5

0

0

210

3

0

0

01

1

11

2

14 9

9

12

44

1

01

2

01

1

5

1

6

4413

12

1

1

0

0

120

3

1

3

4

112

4

0

0

11

2

12

3

5311

10

314

8

1

0

1

10 8 3 8

29

2

1

3

0

0

31

4

212

5

1

1

2

2

02

4

County

All Deaths

All Reviewable Deaths

Reviewable Deaths Reviewed

All Deaths Reviewed

Gwinnett

78 10 20 19

127 7

3

10 13

33

7 3 5 10

25

11 3 6 11

31

Habersham 5 1 1

7

311

5

3

0

3

3

0

3

Hall

21 2 1 5

29 1 2 0 5

8

102

3

112

4

Hancock

2

01

3

1

01

2

1

0

1

1

0

1

Haralson

4

1

5

2

0

2

2

0

2

2

0

2

Harris

101

2

10

1

10

1

101

2

Hart

2

21

5

11

2

1

1

1

1

Heard

2

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

70 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Henry

12 4 4 6

26 2 2 1 1

6

2211

6

2222

8

Houston

18 3 2 4

27 2 2 2 2

8

2212

7

3212

8

Irwin

2

0

2

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

Jackson

10 3 2 1

16

321

6

32

5

32

5

Jasper

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jeff Davis 3

0

3

2

0

2

1

0

1

1

0

1

Jefferson

4

1

0

5

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jenkins

4

1

5

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

Johnson

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Jones

4112

8

2

02

4

2

02

4

2

02

4

Lamar

4

2

6

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

Lanier

1

2

3

2

2

2

2

2

2

Laurens

7112

11

2

1

0

2

5

210

3

210

3

Lee

5

03

8

1

03

4

1

03

4

1

03

4

Liberty

14 2 1 1

18 1 1 0 1

3

1101

3

1201

4

Lincoln

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Long

4

3

7

2

2

2

2

3

3

Lowndes

20 1 6 1

28 3

0

3

3

0

3

4

0

4

Lumpkin

1

11

3

11

2

11

2

11

2

Macon

3

01

4

01

1

0

0

0

0

Madison

3

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

Marion

1

01

2

01

1

0

0

0

0

McDuffie

4101

6

1101

3

1101

3

1101

3

McIntosh

11

2

11

2

11

2

11

2

Meriwether 1

02

3

0

0

0

0

10

1

Miller

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

County

All Deaths

All Reviewable Deaths

Reviewable Deaths Reviewed

All Deaths Reviewed

Mitchell

2

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

Monroe

6

0

6

2

0

2

2

0

2

2

0

2

Montgomery 2

01

3

1

01

2

01

1

01

1

Morgan

1

01

2

01

1

0

0

10

1

Murray

4

11

6

3

11

5

3

1

4

3

1

4

Muscogee 46 4 3 2

55 6 1 2 2

11

6112

10

12 1 1 2

16

Newton

20 2 2 3

27 2

01

3

2

01

3

3

11

5

Oconee

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

Oglethorpe

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 71

Paulding

18 6 1 5

30 4 5 0 3

12

4503

12

4612

13

Peach

5

21

8

11

2

11

2

11

2

Pickens

1

01

2

1

01

2

0

0

0

0

Pierce

5

02

7

01

1

01

1

01

1

Pike

3

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

Polk

4121

8

1

2

3

2

2

2

2

Pulaski

1

1

2

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

1

2

Putnam

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Quitman

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Rabun

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Randolph 1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Richmond 40 4 6 5

55 6 4 1 4

15

6414

15

8444

20

Rockdale 15

12

18 2

12

5

1

02

3

2

02

4

Schley

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Screven

310

4

210

3

1

0

1

1

0

1

Seminole

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Spalding

10

5

15 3

2

5

1

2

3

1

21

4

Stephens 2

0

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

Stewart

110

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

Sumter

4

21

7

1

0

1

1

0

1

2

1

3

Talbot

110

2

0

0

0

0

10

1

Taliaferro

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Tattnall

7132

13 3

01

4

2

01

3

2

01

3

Taylor

20

2

10

1

10

1

10

1

Telfair

6

01

7

01

1

0

0

1

0

1

County

All Deaths

All Reviewable Deaths

Reviewable Deaths Reviewed

All Deaths Reviewed

Terrell

3

0

3

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

Thomas

8

01

9

1

01

2

1

01

2

1

01

2

Tift

7101

9

1

01

2

1

01

2

1101

3

Toombs

4101

6

101

2

0

0

0

0

Towns

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Treutlen

2

0

2

2

0

2

2

0

2

2

0

2

Troup

7321

13 2

2

4

2

2

4

2

21

5

Turner

1111

4

11

2

1

1

1

1

72 | 2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report

Twiggs

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

Union

410

5

110

2

10

1

10

1

Upson

4

0

4

1

0

1

1

0

1

2

0

2

Walker

10 1 3 2

16 4

01

5

2

01

3

2101

4

Walton

6

12

9

1

01

2

1

01

2

1101

3

Ware

6

12

9

11

2

11

2

11

2

Warren

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Washington 1

11

3

01

1

01

1

01

1

Wayne

620

8

20

2

20

2

30

3

Webster

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Wheeler

01

1

01

1

01

1

01

1

White

3201

6

2101

4

2101

4

3101

5

Whitfield

14 6 0 3

23 1 2 0 2

5

102

3

303

6

Wilcox

220

4

110

2

110

2

120

3

Wilkes

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Wilkinson 1

01

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

Worth

4101

6

1

0

1

1

0

1

1

0

1

Totals

1825

574

459

594

Percent Reviewable Deaths Reviewed = 80.0

Glossary of Terms

AA - African American Asphyxia - the extreme condition caused by lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, produced by interference with respiration or insufficient oxygen in the air; suffocation. Child Abuse and Neglect an act, or failure to act, on the part of a parent or caretaker that results in serious physical or emotional harm, sexual exploitation, or death of a child Child Abuse Protocol Committee - County level representatives from the office of the sheriff, county department of family and children services, office of the district attorney, juvenile court, magistrate court, county board of education, office of the chief of police, office of the chief of police of the largest municipality in county, and office of the coroner or medical examiner. The committee is charged with developing local protocols to investigate and prosecute alleged cases of child abuse Child Fatality Review Report - A standardized form required for collecting data on child fatalities meeting the criteria for review by child fatality review committees Child Fatality Review Committee - County level representatives from the office of the coroner or medical examiner, county department of family and children services, public health department, juvenile court, office of the district attorney, law enforcement, and mental health, and prevention advocate Drowning Deaths Deaths that occur from water-related submersion and suffocation Eligible Death - Death meeting the criteria for review including death resulting from SIDS, unintentional injuries, intentional injuries, medical conditions when unattended by a physician, while the child was an inmate or resident of a hospital or penal institution, or any manner that is suspicious or unusual Firearms any weapon that fires a high-velocity projectile, and includes rifles, pistols, revolvers, shotguns, handguns, and BB guns Fire-Related Death Death resulting from fire or burn-related injuries sustained in a fire, and includes deaths from smoke inhalation Form 1 - A standardized form required for collecting data on all child fatalities by coroners or medical examiners Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel - An appointed body of 17 representatives that oversees the county child fatality review process, reports to the governor annually on the incidence of child deaths, and recommends prevention measures based on the data Homicide A death caused by the intentional actions of another person Injury - Refers to any force whether it be physical, chemical (poisoning), thermal (fire), or electrical that resulted in death Intentional - Refers to the act that resulted in death being one that was deliberate, willful, or planned. It includes homicide and suicide Medical Cause - Refers to death resulting from a natural cause other than SIDS.

Motor Vehicle-Related Death incidents that include the occupants of a vehicle, pedestrians struck by motor vehicles, bicycles, and occupants or riders of any other form of transportation (ATV, go-carts, etc.) Natural Cause - Refers to death resulting from an inherent, existing condition. Natural causes include congenital anomalies, diseases of the nervous system, diseases of the respiratory system, other medical causes and SIDS "Other" Race - Refers to those of Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native American origin "Other Injury" as Category of Death - Includes deaths from electrocution, heat-related injury, or the like (unless otherwise indicated) Perpetrator - Person(s) who committed an act that resulted in the death of a child Preventable Death - One in which with retrospective analysis it is determined that a reasonable intervention could have prevented the death. Interventions include medical, social, educational, legal, technological, or psychological actions Reviewed Death - Death which has been reviewed by a local child fatality review committee and a completed Child Fatality Review Report has been submitted to the Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Risk Factor - Refers to persons, things, events, etc. that put an individual at an increased likelihood of dying Sleep-Related Infant Death all deaths to infants that occur while sleeping but have no medical cause. Included are SIDS, SUID, and all suffocation/asphyxia deaths resulting from a sleep environment Suicide Deaths that occur from the intentional taking of one's own life Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - The sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene and review of the clinical history. In this report, SIDS is not considered a "medical" cause of death Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID) - is a category used by child fatality review committees for deaths that appear to be SIDS but have other risk factors present that could have contributed to the infant's death Trend - Refers to changes occurring in the number and distribution of child deaths. In this report, the actual number of deaths for each cause is relatively small for the purpose of statistical analysis, which causes some uncertainty in estimating the risk of death Unintentional - Refers to an action that resulted in death which was not deliberate, willful, or planned

2006 Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel Annual Report | 73