What is the.... Unexplained Infant Death Council?

In 1992, the Legislature established the Sudden Infant Death Council to promote the reduction of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and promote the proper response and investigation of reports of sudden infant death. In 2002, A.R.S. 36-2291 renamed this the Unexplained Infant Death Council, expanded the scope of the Council to include all unexplained infant deaths, and specified that the Council could also consider issues relating to stillborn infants. 

The Unexplained Infant Death Council assists the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to develop unexplained infant death training and educational programs, to inform the governor and the legislature of the need for specific programs regarding unexplained infant deaths, and to approve and periodically review the infant death investigation checklist. The Council consists of 11 members and is staffed by the ADHS Child Fatality Review Program. The Council develops protocols for investigations of infant deaths that have no previously diagnosed illness contributing to the death. The protocols specifically address the need for compassion and sensitivity with parents and caregivers, include recommended procedures for law enforcement, and require scene investigations as a component of the infant death investigation. 

Why is this council needed?

Unexplained infant deaths are those deaths for which there is no obvious cause. Unexplained infant deaths require a thorough investigation to accurately determine the cause and manner of the death. This process includes a death scene investigation, interviews with parents and caregivers, a review of the infant’s clinical history, and an autopsy. Although the ultimate goal of a death scene investigation is to accurately assign a cause of death, equally important goals are the identification of health threats posed by consumer products; identification of risk factors associated with unexplained infant deaths; and using the opportunity to refer families to grief counseling and support groups. 

What are the goals of the council?

The goals of the Unexplained Infant Death Council are the reduction of infant deaths and effective, compassionate investigations of unexpected infant deaths. 

What has this program achieved?

The Unexplained Infant Death Council created protocol for first responders. The protocols include a checklist for law enforcement to use during the course of an investigation. The checklist standardizes investigations throughout the state, and ensures that medical examiners are provided sufficient information to assist in determining the cause and manner of the death. The ADHS has distributed the Infant Death Checklist and Unexplained Infant Death Investigation Protocol to law enforcement agencies statewide.

Need more information?

Jamie Smith, Program Manager 
150 North 18th Avenue, Suite 320
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 364-1463
Fax:    (602) 364-1496
Email:  smithja@azdhs.gov 
         
Website Links:

www.cjsids.com CJ foundation for SIDS
www.missfoundation.org MISS Foundation
http://firstcandle.org First Candle/SIDS Alliance


Related Publications and References:

Publications listed are "PDF" files and require Acrobat Reader™ for viewing.

Incidence and Reported Causes of Stillbirths
1st Annual Report (May 2005) [PDF 372K]
2nd Annual Report (May 2006) [PDF 308K]
3rd Annual Report (May 2007) [PDF 100K]

Arizona Infant Death Investigation Checklist [PDF 88K]
Arizona Infant Death Scene Investigation Checklist Instructions [PDF 112K]
Introduction and Recommendation for the Use of the Infant Death Checklist [PDF 88K]
SIDS Autopsy Protocols [PDF 120K]
Continuing Education Program on SIDS Risk Reduction [PDF 968K]

Arizona Revised Statutes:
36-2291. Sudden infant death advisory council.
36-2292. Protocols.
36-2293. Infant death investigation checklist.