Pennsylvania's Child Death Review Program Faces Challenges Amid Funding Shortfalls
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has been struggling to review child deaths across the state due to a lack of funding and resources. Since 2020, approximately half of the child deaths in Pennsylvania have not been reviewed, with rural counties being the most affected. The Child Death Review program, mandated by a 2008 state law, requires counties to review the deaths of residents under 21 to develop prevention strategies. However, the program has been labeled an 'unfunded mandate' by a 2024 evaluation from East Stroudsburg University. Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed a $2.5 million allocation from the state's general fund to support the program, aiming to enhance data collection and prevention strategies. Despite these efforts, the program continues to face significant challenges, including staffing shortages and a lack of legislative action to address its shortcomings. 
