2026 OCAP State of the Child Report

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MORTALITY CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MORTALITY ARE STABLE WITH RECENT DECLINES, INDICATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT DESCRIPTION OF INDICATOR This indicator measures the number and percentage of child deaths resulting from both intentional and unintentional causes, including homicide and suicide. It also identifies the leading causes of unintentional injury-related child deaths.

Why is this indicator important?

Findings 1 • In 2020, the 15 to 19 age group consistently accounts for the highest number of deaths, particularly from homicide, suicide, and unintentional injuries, indicating increased vulnerability during late adolescence. • Sleep-related infant deaths fluctuated from year to year, peaking at 18 deaths in 2017 and reaching a low of six in 2023. While there are signs of a possible decline in recent years, the pattern is inconsistent, with notable drops in 2020 and no clear long-term trend or explanation for the changes. • Between 2018 and 2022, young children ages 0 to 4 made up about two thirds (64.8%) of the 561 nonfatal drownings across all age groups. These findings show a need for interventions such as educating parents and caregivers about drowning risk and teaching prevention practices to reduce injuries and deaths.

Child and adolescent mortality is a core measure of population health and well being. Tracking trends over time and examining the leading causes of death helps public health agencies evaluate whether current programs are effective and where gaps remain. These data also guide policy decisions by highlighting preventable causes of death—such as injuries, violence, and chronic conditions—and identifying opportunities for targeted interventions that can improve outcomes for children and youth. Between 2018 and 2021, drownings were the first and second leading causes of death in children ages 1 to 4 in Riverside County. Non-fatal drownings can cause life-long disabilities due to lack of oxygen delivered to the brain. Long term effects can include damage to the central nervous system, seizures, paralysis, and learning disabilities. Drowning affects the cardiovascular system, which impacts the future of drowning survivors and families who provide long-term care due to disability. 2

1 shaperivco.org, kidsdata.org, California Department of Public Health 2-3 Riverside University Health System – Public Health, Epidemiology and Program Evaluation. (2023, September). Unintentional non fatal and fatal drowning in Riverside County, CA (Health Matters Brief).

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