Background: In 2019, DCJS finalized the Child Death Investigation Protocol as recommended by the State Child Fatality Review Team under the direction of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office as a result of the increase in child deaths in Virginia. In response to case reviews which identified a need for improved collaboration surrounding the investigation process, DCJS moved the recommendation forward to create the final protocol to be used by law enforcement and child protective service investigators across the Commonwealth. The protocol calls for a uniform, collaborative response to child death investigations in Virginia.

Target Audience: Law Enforcement investigators, Child Protective Services (CPS) investigators, and Prosecutors. Teams of at least one law enforcement and one CPS investigator are encouraged to attend. The maximum attendance for all locations is 80, excluding Abingdon (60). If Abingdon fills up, DCJS will add another training day (May 4) to this location.

Cost: This in-person training is free to attend. All travel expenses are the sole responsibility of the participant.

For more information, contact Jenna Foster, CJA Coordinator, at jenna.foster@dcjs.virginia.gov

Training Dates & Locations:

Date                             Location                      Facility Address

May 3, 2023                 Abingdon                     Abingdon Department of Social Services
8:30am-3:30pm                                                 190 Patton Street, Suite 100, Abingdon, Virginia

May 18, 2023                Winchester                 Shenandoah University
8:30am-3:30pm                                                 1775 N. Sector Court, Room 109, Winchester, Virginia   

June 13, 2023               Martinsville                New College Institute – Lecture Hall
8:30am-3:30pm                                                 191 Fayette Street Martinsville, Virginia

July 20, 2023                Virginia Beach           Virginia Beach Police Department – Auditorium
9am-4pm                                                           411 Integrity Way Virginia Beach, Virginia  

August 17, 2023            Fredericksburg        Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy
9am-4pm                                                          3630 Lee Hill Drive Fredericksburg, Virginia

September 21, 2023      Roanoke                   Roanoke Police Academy
8:30am-3:30pm                                                 5401 Barns Avenue, Room 235,  Roanoke, Virginia 

October 19, 2023          Charlottesville          Ready Kids – Lower Level Training Room
9am-4pm                                                          1000 E. High Street Charlottesville, Virginia

November 14, 2023      Richmond                 St. Joseph’s Villa
9am-4pm                                                          8000 Brook Road Richmond, Virginia