Deputy Minister for Social Services, Gwenda Thomas has announced that the Welsh Assembly Government will be funding an all-Wales pilot to review child deaths.

Developed from and building upon the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health model that analysed child deaths in a number of selected areas for one year it is anticipated that a Wales-wide pilot – focusing on child suicides - will identify avoidable factors and contributors to child deaths.

There are approximately 300 child deaths every year in Wales – of which almost half are babies under 28 days of age.

Subject to an assessment of the pilot, the aim would be to introduce a full Child Death Review scheme from 1 April 2010, following consultation with stakeholders on any proposed regulations and guidance.

Further information is available on the Welsh Assembly Government website.