Child Death Review Unit
The Child Death Review Unit (CDRU) of the BC Coroners Service reviews the deaths of all children age 18 and under in B.C. The intent of these reviews is to better understand how and why children die, and to use those findings to prevent other deaths and improve the health, safety and well-being of all children in British Columbia.
Through the review of all child deaths, the CDRU gathers data that can show trends in child deaths. In some cases, deaths will be further reviewed by way of a cluster review or though the multi-disciplinary review process. Information arising from these various reviews is analyzed and shared with agencies and organizations to influence and develop programs to deter or prevent child deaths. By understanding the risks, we can be guided in determining the most significant opportunities for prevention.
Staffed with experts in the area of research and review, the unit also examines provincial and national trends with regard to child deaths.
Child Death Review Unit Reports
To view additional reports, please visit the CDRU Report Archive.
- Sudden Infant Death Review Panel Report (2013-2018) - released Nov. 19, 2019
- News Release
- Response Letter - Ministry of Children and Family Development - July 23, 2020
- Response Letter - Ministry of Health - Feb. 10, 2020
- Response Letter - Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General - Dec. 9, 2019
Child Mortality in British Columbia 2011-2016
- Child Mortality in British Columbia 2016 - released May 2018
- Child Mortality in British Columbia 2015 - released Aug. 2017
- Child Mortality in British Columbia 2014 - released Aug. 2017
- Child Mortality in British Columbia 2013 - released Sept. 2016
- Child Mortality in British Columbia 2012 - released Sept. 2016
- Child Mortality in British Columbia 2011 - released Sept. 2016
- A Review of MCFD-Involved Deaths of Youth Transitioning to Independence (2011-2016) - released May 28, 2018
- Response Letter - Ministry of Children and Family Development - Mar. 11, 2019
- Action Plan - Ministry of Children and Family Development - Mar. 11, 2019
- Response Letter - Ministry of Education - July 30, 2018
- Response Letter - Ministry of Children and Family Development - Mar. 11, 2019
- BC Coroners Service and First Nations Health Authority Death Review Panel: A Review of First Nation Youth and Young Adult Injury Deaths: 2010-2015 - released Nov. 15, 2017
- News Release
- Response Letter - Office of the Provincial Director of Child Welfare - Aug. 4, 2020
- Response Letter - Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Apr. 16, 2018
- Response Letter - Ministry of Education - Mar. 7, 2018
- Response Letter - Ministry of Health - Jan, 29, 2018
- Response Letter - Ministry of Children & Family Development - Jan 8, 2018
- Response Letter - First Nations Health Authority - Feb. 13, 2018
- A Review of Road-Related Pedestrian, Cyclist and Boarder Deaths in Children and Youth 2005-2014 - released June 2016
- Response - Ministry of Education - July 5, 2016
- Response - Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure - Dec. 9, 2016
A Review of Fire-Related Deaths in Children and Youth 2005-2014 - released Mar. 2016
- A Review of Overdose Deaths in Youth and Young Adults 2009-2013 - released Jan. 2016
- Response - First Nations Health Authority - Jan. 27, 2016
- Response - Ministry of Education - Feb. 25, 2016
- Response - Ministry of Children and Family Development - Mar. 8, 2016
- A Review of Young Driver Deaths 2004-2013 - released Feb. 2015
- Response – ICBC - Mar. 2015
- Follow-up response - ICBC - Feb. 2018
- Response – Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure - Feb. 2015
- Response – Ministry of Justice - Feb. 2015
- Response – ICBC - Mar. 2015
- A Review of Drowning 2007-2013 - released June 2014
- A Review of Child and Youth Suicides 2008-2012 - released Sept. 2013