A review of investigative practices pursued into child deaths and non-accidental injuries in children has been conducted and a summary of its findings are now published.
The review by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service included guidance and training for prosecutors, police and pathologists. It made recommendations to build upon existing processes and to develop a service which recognises the trauma inherent in these challenging cases.
The review was instructed by the Solicitor General for Scotland, Ruth Charteris KC, in recognition of the significance of these deaths and the comparatively high mortality rates for young people in Scotland.
Approximately 300 under-18s die a year in Scotland, with around half of those reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. When a death is reported it does not always mean it is suspicious or that anyone is to blame.
The procurator fiscal seeks to establish what happened in each case and to try prevent deaths in similar circumstances in the future. Some investigations may lead to prosecution or a fatal accident inquiry.
The Solicitor General for Scotland Ruth Charteris KC said:
“The loss or serious injury of a child is an unimaginable tragedy for any family, leaving a profound and lasting impact on their lives. It is of the utmost importance that each death is understood.
“The review focused on the child and their family, recognising the immense emotional toll and the need for compassionate support. The recommendations which have been made as a result aim to ensure that investigations and prosecutions are thorough and professional, while treating families with dignity and respect.
“I hope the review will lead to further important discussions and actions, ensuring families receive the support and justice they need.”
The review was led by Assistant Procurator Fiscal Deborah Demick, who added:
“During the course of the review, themes emerged including the need to reduce the time it takes to conclude child death cases. A death investigation can take significant time which is undoubtedly traumatic for families.
“Collaborative working is key to continuous learning and sustained improvements to make a tangible difference in the way child deaths are investigated. We are now implementing recommendations which include a de-brief process, enhanced, structured training for procurator fiscal staff and colleagues including pathologists and police officers.”
A summary of the review findings can be read in the publications section of our website.