Review of deaths – children and young people, and people with disabilities
The Ombudsman carries out his role under the Community Services (Complaints, Reviews and Monitoring) Act 1993, the Ombudsman Act 1974 and the Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998. One of the Ombudsman’s roles is to review the deaths of certain children, young people and people with disabilities in care (called ‘reviewable deaths’). The Ombudsman’s Community Services Division carries out these functions, and the Division is headed by the Deputy Ombudsman and Community and Disability Services Commissioner. The Ombudsman is also the convenor of the NSW Child Death Review Team, and staff from the Ombudsman’s office provide support and assistance to the Team in the exercise of its functions.
The Child Death Review Team consists of the Ombudsman; the Deputy Ombudsman and Community and Disability Services Commissioner; the Commissioner for Children and Young People; representatives from the Departments of Human Services, Health, Education and Training, Justice and Attorney General, the NSW Police Force, and the Office of the NSW Coroner;
and individuals with expertise in relevant fields.