CS/HB 7121 Summary

• Authorizes critical incident rapid response teams to review child deaths occurring during open investigations and requires the advisory committee to meet quarterly and submit quarterly reports instead of annual reports.

• Requires the Department of Children and Families to convene a case staffing when medical neglect is substantiated, with attendance from child protective investigators, legal staff, child protection teams, and relevant service providers.

• Establishes an epidemiological child abuse death assessment and prevention system with state and local review committees; limits state committee members to 2-year terms not exceeding three consecutive terms.

• Requires local county or multicounty death review committees to be convened and supported by county health department directors, with specified membership including state attorneys, medical examiners, DCF representatives, and various service providers.

• Requires community-based care lead agencies to prioritize evidence-based and trauma-informed services for child protection and welfare, effective July 1, 2015.