What:              OCFS Commissioner Sheila Poole announces creation and membership of new statewide Child Fatality Review Team

When:             Thursday, March 5, 1-1:45 p.m.

Where:            OCFS Human Services Training Center, 164 Columbia Turnpike, Rensselaer

Please join OCFS Commissioner Sheila Poole, OCFS Bureau of Protective Practices Director Margaret Bissell, Casey Family Programs Senior Director Howard Knoll and Susanna Joy from the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention as they launch a new effort to prevent child fatalities in New York State.

The statewide Child Fatality Review Team is comprised of multiple state agency and local professionals from multiple disciplines who are engaged in researching the causes of preventable child deaths and developing strategies to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

CFRT members will work with their regional and local counterparts to:

• better understand why child fatalities occur and how to prevent them.
• examine the events leading up to the death and child welfare practice.
• review preventive services.
• identify trends and patterns that demonstrate a need for intervention.

Interview opportunities:     

• Susanna Joy, National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention

• OCFS Bureau of Protective Practices Director Margaret Bissell

• OCFS Commissioner Sheila Poole