Child Death Review Training and Learning Resources

Welcome, and thank you for your participation in Child Death Review in Oregon.

Child Death Review (CDR) in Oregon is a multidisciplinary, prevention-focused process. Teams across the state vary in structure, size, and participation, but share a common goal: learning from child deaths to better understand what happened, identify system gaps, and strengthen efforts to prevent future loss.

The Oregon Child Death Review Training Series provides a set of foundational modules designed to support multidisciplinary team

members in understanding the review process and strengthening prevention-focused practice.

We recommend beginning with Child Death Review 101, then exploring additional modules based on your role or areas of interest. The CFR Toolkit includes the templates and resources used in practice–we encourage you to return to both the training and toolkit as needed.

If you have questions or would like additional support, we encourage you to reach out to the state team contacts–we're always happy to connect. We're available to meet one-on-one or with your team.

Oregon Child Death Review Training Series

Module 1: Child Death Review 101

Length: 42 minutes
Audience:All team members

Overview: This session introduces the foundational elements of Child Death Review (CDR), including team composition, case selection, the review process, the role of data, and key practices for maintaining an effective, action-oriented team.

Module 2: Mock Child Death Review

Length: 38 minutes
Audience: All team members

Overview:
In this session, a Child Death Review team conducts a mock case review of a sudden unexpected infant death. It demonstrates how teams examine systems and services, identify risk factors, and begin developing prevention recommendations.

Module 3: Preparing for Review & Accessing Records

(Coming soon: this should link to a recording of an Oregon-specific live webinar/virtual CE session)

Length: TBD
Audience: Coordinators, facilitators, and team leads

Overview:

This module will cover the process of preparing for a Child Death Review, including identifying involved agencies, gathering records, and navigating common barriers to information sharing

Module 4: Facilitation Training

Length: 48 minutes
Audience: Coordinators, facilitators, team leads and strongly encouraged for all team members

Overview:
This module focuses on facilitation skills needed to lead effective Child Death Review meetings, including managing group dynamics, encouraging participation, and keeping discussions focused on prevention.

Module 5: Data Collection and Data Entry

Length: 40 minutes
Audience: Coordinators and data leads

Overview:
This module provides guidance on Child Death Review data collection and data entry, including coordination across partners and best practices for documenting case information. Content is based on national guidance and can be adapted to local processes.

Module 6: Moving from Findings to Recommendations

Length: 1 hour
Audience: Coordinators, facilitators, and engaged team members

Overview: This module focuses on translating case review discussions into meaningful findings and actionable prevention recommendations. Note: As this is a national training, some examples may not fully reflect Oregon’s context.

Stay Connected: Oregon Child Death Review Peer Groups

One of the best ways to learn this work is from others doing it.

Whether you're facilitating reviews, coordinating a local team, participating as a medical provider, representing child welfare, or supporting schools and education systems, Oregon offers opportunities to connect with colleagues across the state.

These groups provide a space to:

Share challenges and solutions
Discuss emerging issues and trends
Exchange tools and resources
Learn from colleagues with different experiences
Stay connected to statewide Child Death Review efforts

Available Peer Groups

Facilitator/Coordinator Peer Group

For individuals facilitating or coordinating Child Death Reviews

Medical Provider Peer Group

or physicians, nurses, medical examiners, and other healthcare professionals participating in reviews

Child Welfare Peer Group

For ODHS and child welfare professionals involved in Child Death Review

Education Peer Group

For educators and school-based professionals participating in reviews

The CDR Toolkit

After completing training, visit the toolkit for:

Record request templates
Meeting agendas and facilitation guides
Case preparation and follow-up checklists
Data entry guidance