Previous Years

Tracking and reporting child deaths and near deaths in Tennessee

The Department of Children's Services shall release certain information related to child deaths and near deaths in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. 37-5-107(c)(4).

In 2013, DCS adopted new criteria for tracking and reporting child deaths and near deaths in a manner that is consistent with our mission.

The Department tracks custody deaths, non-custody deaths, custody near deaths, and non-custody near deaths.

Important Note: It is essential to have an accurate understanding of the child death data reported on this site. For information on reporting methodology, definitions, and data parameters, click here.