Conducting Unexplained Child Death Investigations

Learn how to objectively investigate child death cases particularly when the cause and manner of death is unexplained. Examine investigative mindset from initial call-out to case resolution and learn how to gain an understanding of what happens with a victim-centered approach, exploring the emotional trauma of the non-offending caregiver. Discuss possible causes of death and best practices and tips including various investigative steps for evidence collection, witness and suspect interviews. This basic course offers law enforcement, CPS, and other child-death investigators up-to-date practices for the investigation of child deaths.

Upon completion of this training, you will be able to:

• Define various causes of child deaths

• Identify potential response situations and scene protection issues

• Describe investigative equipment and resources needed for quality child death investigations

• Understand the impact of child development on child death histories