Child deaths panel meeting set in Frankfort

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A panel set up to review deaths and serious injuries resulting from child abuse and neglect has its first meeting Tuesday in Frankfort.

The Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel will look at practices of government agencies charged with preventing such deaths and injuries. Gov. Steve Beshear, who established the panel in July after news reports highlighting how the cases are handled, has said the panel's work could lead to new policies.

Members will meet four times a year to review cases. The Lexington Herald-Leader says the panel must issue annual reports that will be posted online and sent to Beshear, Chief Justice John D. Minton and the legislature.

Retired Franklin County Circuit Judge Roger Crittenden heads the panel, which includes doctors, prosecutors, advocates and police officers.

Florida fugitive arrested in Lexington