CJC-FRN7928 - Child Death Investigations

Course Description

This two day seminar will focus on the investigation of the death of children. Students will be presented with a variety of scenarios which resulted in the death of a child. Emphasis will be placed on the differences between, accidental, natural (to include SIDS), and non accidental death involving children of all age ranges. The investigation of SIDS, scene investigation, trauma, injuries and burns along with working with the Medical Examiner are all discussed in this  training class.

Course Outline

1.

• Define SIDS
• Investigation of SIDS
• Medical histories
• Scene investigation
• SIDS contributing factors
• Determinations

2.

• Case examples
• Working with the Medical Examiner
• Child homicides

3.

• Abusive head trauma
• Head injuries

4.

• Abdominal injuries
• Fractures

5.

• Burns 
• Forced immersion burns
• Dry burns

6.

• Munchhausen Syndrome by Proxy 
• Characteristics

Learner Outcomes

• Identify information necessary for a diagnosis of SIDS.
• Discuss investigation components of suicides.
• List and describe agencies involved in child deaths.
• Identify and interpret types of injuries typical of child abuse homicides.
• List red flags that indicate a suspicious death.
• Identify and describe key elements in a child death investigation.
• Describe components of a proper scene investigation.
• Successfully investigate and prosecute a child death.

Notes

Lecture

Videotapes

Evaluation-

Exam:  Pre and Post

Class Participation:  Students will process a mock crime scene using all techniques demonstrated during the class.