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 and subsequent training to be used by law enforcement and child protective service investigators across the Commonwealth. The protocol, which outlines a multitude of child death modalities and the specific requirements of investigation for prosecution, calls for a uniform, collaborative response to child death investigations in Virginia. This interactive training provides a foundation for child death investigations and how to adequately investigate child deaths in a manner that is consistent across disciplines and provides case scenarios to reinforce the importance of collaborative investigations.
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.
Cost: This in-person training is free to attend. All travel expenses are the sole responsibility of the participant’s agency.
For more information, contact Jenna Foster, CJA Coordinator, at jenna.foster@dcjs.virginia.gov
To register, please visit: https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/training-events/foundations-child-death-investigation
Date Location Facility Address
March 19, 2024 Williamsburg William & Mary, School of Education, Holly Room9am-5pm 301 Monticello Avenue Williamsburg, Virginia
May 9, 2024 Ashburn Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy8:30am-4:30pm 45299 Research Place, Asburn, Virginia
May 16, 2024 Alexandria Alexandria Police Department – Roll Call Room9am-5pm 3600 Wheeler Ave Alexandria, Virginia
August 21, 2024 Bristol TBD9am-5pm
October 17, 2024 Staunton TBD9am-5pm
November 14, 2024 South Hill South Hill Police Department (max attendance: 30)9am-5pm Upper Level Training Room103 S. Brunswick Avenue South Hill, Virginia
