ABSTRACT
Time is of the essence. This could not be truer than when investigating the circumstances of an infant’s death. The way in which the investigation begins can greatly impact the outcome. Time delays in notifying the appropriate personnel; lack of agency polices, protocols, and guidelines; and poor communication among agencies can hinder an investigation, even before it begins. Infant death investigations that are preplanned, coordinated, and organized lay the foundation for a thorough and complete investigation. This foundation positively affects the remainder of the investigation ensuring that all agencies work together to ensure that the cause and manner of the infant’s death is accurately determined.
