1. Child Death Review Project Progress Report Sponsored by the Interagency Council for Children and Families ----------------------------------------------------------------- Presented to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, February 23 rd, 2009 Alliant International University California School for Forensic Studies Lea M. Kovacsiss, M.S.C.J. Brian Tesch, M.A. / Q.M.H.P.

2. Overview Review the purpose of the Child Death Project Provide project status update – Review pediatric homicide data – Summarize Pediatric Death Review Committee (PDRC) evaluation Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 2/23/20102

3. Thank you to Dr. David M. Hadden and staff of the Coroner’s Office for their invaluable support and assistance. 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 3

4. Purpose The purpose of the Child Death Project is to examine child deaths that have occurred from abuse, neglect, or violence within Fresno County. Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 2/23/20104

5. The Interagency Council posed the following questions: – Were these children and families known to allied or protective agencies? – If yes, could these deaths have been prevented had different policies and/or procedures been in place? 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 5

6. REVIEW OF PEDIATRIC HOMICIDE RECORDS 2003-2009 All data came from available information within official Coroner records. Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 2/23/20106

7. All data was collected from official Coroner records. – A total of 39 pediatric homicides were identified. 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 7

8. Note on Data Classifications Some of the following graphs do not depict data that have been classified as “other” or “unknown.” – Not all sections will total 39 or 100% 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 8

9. Pediatric Homicide Demographics 2003-2009 39 total cases 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 9

10. Pediatric Homicide Demographics 2003-2009 39 total cases 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 10

11. Pediatric Homicide Demographics 2003-2009 39 total cases 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 11

12. Pediatric Homicide Demographics 2003-2009 39 total cases 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 12 Project Racial Demographics Fresno County Racial Demographics *US Census Bureau 2008

13. Pediatric Homicide Demographics 2003-2009 39 total cases 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 13

14. Pediatric Homicide Demographics 2003-2009 39 total cases 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 14

15. Pediatric Homicide Demographics 2003-2009 39 total cases 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 15

16. Pediatric Homicide Demographics 2003-2009 39 total cases 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 16 Incident Zip Code FrequencyPercentFrequencyPercent 9361912.69370412.6 9363812.693706410.3 9364012.69371112.6 9364612.69372112.6 9364812.69372225.1 9365437.79372625.1 937021025.69372725.1 9370312.69372812.6 Unknown615.4

17. Age by Circumstance CircumstanceAge RangeFrequency Non-Familial13-17 years old15 Parent/Guardian, Caregiver, Primary Trauma to Mother0-3 years old11 Pediatric Homicide Demographics 2003-2009 39 total cases 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 17

18. CONSULTATION PROJECT ON THE PEDIATRIC DEATH REVIEW COMMITTEE Sabina Barker & Kim Ghosoph Supervised by Valerie Forward, Ph.D. Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 2/23/201018

19. The consultation group examined the PDRC and made recommendations. Work completed: – Conducted interviews – Reviewed current legislation – Reviewed material from federal, state, and local child death review teams and organizations 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 19

20. Conclusion The Coroner’s Office assumes most of the responsibility for the PDRC, despite not having the necessary resources for prevention implementation. 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 20

21. Summary Review of Pediatric Homicide Records – Sociodemographics – Relationship to Perpetrator – Location of Incidents Future Research 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 21

22. Thank you! Interagency Council for Children and Families: Judge David Gottlieb, Chair Supervisor Henry Perea, Board of Supervisors Representative Debra McKenzie, Interagency Coordinator JoAnne R. Sanchez, Administrative Office Assistant Bonnie Burns, Principal Staff Analyst, Department of Social Services, Project Supervisor General and Executive Membership Fresno County Office of the Coroner: David M. Hadden, M.D., Public Administrator/Coroner/Public Guardian Olivia Ramos, Department Secretary Kelly A. Wiefel, Deputy Coroner 2/23/2010 Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 22 Esther Franco, Executive Director, Fresno Council on Child Abuse Prevention Steve Gonzalez, Principal, Yokomi Elementary, Fresno Unified School District Michael Landon, Sergeant, Fresno Police Department, Family Justice Bureau-Elder/Child Abuse & Missing Persons Unit Brian Rogers, Sergeant, Fresno Police Department, Professional Standards Unit Pete Summers, Executive Director, Prevention & Intervention, Fresno Unified School District

23. Child Death Project: Contact Information Alliant International University California School for Forensic Studies Lea Kovacsiss, Project Team Leader lkovacsiss@co.fresno.ca.us Child Death Review Project, Alliant International University - Fresno 2/23/201023