Child Death Overview (CDOP)

The Joint Agency Response (JAR) to unexpected Child deaths during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidance for Professionals.

Produced by a multi-Agency working group convened by the National Child Mortality Database management team.

Introduction

During Pandemic COVID the central aims of the Joint Agency Response (JAR) still apply although how these are enacted may need to change depending on circumstances. The circumstance in which a JAR is required are unchanged and are set out in Appendix 1 to the attached document.

The absolute priority always must be the safety of staff, families and the public.

While COVID-19 will significantly affect the ability of services to react to sudden unexpected child deaths, it should be noted that whilst COVID-19 is not expected to cause significant numbers of child deaths, social isolation may lead to increased risk of child abuse and of self-harm. Children living in socially challenging circumstances may be at higher risk.