The Police and Bereaved Parents

UK Helpline: 0345 123 2304 | www.tcf.org.uk • If it is not necessary for parents to identify their child at the place where he or she died, they should be told where they are at this moment, and where and when they can see them in the mortuary . This should be at a time suitable to them and arranged with the mortuary staff in advance and as soon as possible. • Parents do have the right to see their child’s body, except sometimes in cases of suspected homicide. This can be very important for them, particularly after a sudden unexpected death. Informed choice is a key principle here and there may be different wishes between parents which should be ascertained and respected. • Unless there are evidential or practical reasons to prevent it, parents should be allowed to see, touch and hold their child if they wish. Be very clear in advance what is possible and why. Where it is not possible, explain as clearly and tactfully as you can why they are not allowed to touch or see their child at this time. • Take time to encourage parents to ask any questions they have about seeing, touching and holding their child, and be prepared to answer them. Bear in mind that the parents may not realise they can do this or may be afraid to ask. Most will accept the opportunity and are helped by having done so, but there should be discussion first with no assumptions made. It is each parent’s own decision whether or not to see their child , unless they have been requested to do so for identification purposes. Leave the parents to be alone with their child if they wish. • Many parents would also wish to visit the place where their child died ; it will be helpful if you can organise this. • The child’s clothes and belongings should be handled with respect. Some parents will want to have these as soon as possible (as long as they are not needed as evidence); others may prefer to arrange for someone else to collect them on their behalf or may