State Rep. John Reilly today testified before the House Committee on Families, Children and Seniors in support of his legislation to let parents access records related to the deaths of their children.

Under Michigan law, county governments form child fatality review teams to examine the causes of childhood deaths. The reviews may be shared with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the state children’s ombudsman, county prosecutors, local police, or another county’s review team. The records are otherwise confidential. From the information gathered, the state government publishes child death statistics.

Reilly’s House Bill 5657 would allow a parent or legal guardian to obtain information from a child fatality review team related to the death of one’s own child.

“The research conducted by child fatality review teams helps broaden our understanding of young deaths in Michigan,” said Reilly, of Oakland Township. “For good reason, underlying information for specific cases is confidential, but parents should be allowed to learn details about their child’s death. My legislation will help distraught parents get information — and maybe some closure — about their child’s passing.”

Reilly said the idea for the legislation was brought to him by a Northern Oakland County constituent seeking closure after a child’s death.

In discussion with committee members about the limited public awareness of the child fatality review teams, Reilly indicated he is open to adding to the bill a requirement that parents of a deceased child be notified that the review is occurring.

HB 5657 remains under consideration by the committee.