Gwinnett named metro county of the year for child death review work

Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson poses for a portrait on Friday, July 29, 2022, at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Austin-Gatson said this week that she would prosecute providers of unsafe abortions under the state’s new restrictions, but would not prioritize cases against abortion patients. CHRISTINA MATACOTTA FOR THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION.

Credit: Christina Matacotta

Credit: Christina Matacotta

Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson poses for a portrait on Friday, July 29, 2022, at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Austin-Gatson said this week that she would prosecute providers of unsafe abortions under the state’s new restrictions, but would not prioritize cases against abortion patients. CHRISTINA MATACOTTA FOR THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION.

The Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel recently named Gwinnett County the metro county of the year for data collection efforts to help provide child deaths.

The award recognized the work of the Gwinnett County Child Fatality Review Committee, led by the county district attorney’s office and victim witness program, according to the Gwinnett website.

The state panel honored the committee for its reports and collaboration with other agencies that review child deaths. The reports lead to preventative strategies, according to the county.

Every county has a child fatality review committee that meets within 30 days of a child’s death to make findings.