Beshear names panel to review child abuse deaths

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A panel has been set up to review deaths and serious injuries resulting from cases of child abuse and neglect.

Gov. Steve Beshear announced Wednesday the 17-member group that will include a variety of vocations, including lawmakers, doctors and even the state medical examiner.

Beshear said the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel will look specifically at the practices of the government agencies charged with preventing deaths and injuries from child abuse and neglect.

He said what the panel learns could led to implementation of new policies.

The panel will be part of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for staff and administrative purposes. Members will meet four times a year to review case files. They also will compile annual reports about the cases reviewed and recommendations made.

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