These teams are panels of multiple agency representatives who review all child deaths regardless of cause. Child Fatality Review Teams are mandated by Texas Family Code Chapter 264.

The Smith County Child Fatality Review Team is made up of representatives from:

• Smith County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
• Smith County Sheriff’s Office
• Tyler Police Department
• Justice of the Peace
• Child Protective Services
• Trinity Mother Frances
• East Texas Medical Center
• Mental health professionals
• Public health professionals
• Juvenile Probation
• Department of Public Safety
• Tyler Independent School District
• Smith County Fire Marshal’s office
• Northeast Public Health District
• City of Tyler Fire Marshal’s office

Each member brings to the team an expertise that is essential in determining the cause of child deaths. Information shared by team members is confidential by law. During a review, teams explore what each member agency knows about the child, family and circumstances surrounding the death. The review is concluded with these questions: Was the death preventable? If so, how might the death have been prevented?

After each local team review, data is sent to the Texas Department of Sate Health Services. DSHS compiles and analyzes information from the 46 review teams across the state. This information is forwarded to the State Child Fatality Review Team Committee in Austin and every two years the committee submits a compiled report of findings to the governor and legislature. The efforts of these teams have resulted in child fatalities being more accurately recorded and needed prevention initiatives developed.

For more information on the Smith County Child Fatality Review Team, call (903) 533-1880 or email info@cacsmithcounty.org.