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This paper compares and contrasts child death review (CDR) structures and processes in six countries - Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, England and Wales. It presents findings from a comparative study based on analysis of data from 18 case studies. Data were collected through a combination of documentary analysis, interviews and observations. The study found that CDR processes vary according to: where the function is located and whether review is undertaken at state, local or national level; whether review is rooted in legislation; the focus of review; whether dedicated funding is provided; whether families are involved in the process; and whether structures are supported by useful data systems. It was not possible to evaluate the effectiveness of different review systems but the findings suggest that structure makes little difference in terms of determining the extent to which CDR findings inform prevention effort and activity. While factors such as lack of funding, lack of national data, or lack of legislation may hinder the work of CDR teams, CDR findings have informed prevention initiatives despite such barriers. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Key Practitioner Messages Standardisation and aggregation of data at national or state level are crucial for effective CDR., A model of individual review, cross-case review and themed review can result in real learning and practice change., A public health model of CDR offers the most potential in terms of prevention., Families can contribute key information but participation must be managed sensitively and take account of cultural issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of the media in influencing child protection policy is explored by examination of the death of one child, Daniel Valerio, in Victoria, Australia. Daniel, 2 years old, died at the hands of his mother's de facto barely five months after he (Paul Aiton) moved in with Daniel's mother, Cheryl Butcher.[The Australian term ‘de facto’ is the equivalent of the English word ‘cohabitee’.] A series of reports to protective services highlighting multiple and severe bruising to Daniel were made; Daniel's postmortem revealed 104 bruises on his body. Although 21 professionals were involved in the case, tragedy was not averted; in fact, it was an electrician rather than trained professionals who recognized the obvious abuse. A series of inquiries into the case ensued; these were not immediately reported by the media, but press attention to the case intensified gradually. This led to a successful though paradoxical campaign by one newspaper, the Melbourne Herald Sun , to introduce the mandatory reporting of child abuse by health and welfare professionals. The paradox is that those people who needed to know of the case to protect Daniel knew about it before his death. This article analyses the campaign, highlights the factors which led to its success and provides succinct advice to professionals on the use of the media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]