The Sudden Unexplained Death In Childhood Program (SUDC) was created in September 2001 within the CJ Foundation for SIDS. It is tasked with providing a centralized resource for information, support and advocacy. It serves families and professionals affected by the tragedy of SUDC, and promotes awareness of SUDC in communities.

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is… the sudden and unexpected death of a child over the age of twelve months, which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation is conducted. This must include: examination of the death scene, performance of a complete autopsy, and a review of the child and family’s medical history. SUDC is a diagnosis of exclusion - given when all known and possible causes of death have been ruled out.

To Provide a Centralized Resource For SUDC

The SUDC program collects and distributes information regarding SUDC as it becomes available. The SUDC Program works collaboratively with families and professionals to address the many needs following these tragedies.

To Fund Crucial Research to Find the Cause and Ultimate Prevention of SUDC

The limited research, in the area of SUDC, contributes to the poor awareness and understanding of these deaths. The SUDC Program supports and encourages research that may lead to determining the cause(s) and someday the prevention of these childhood deaths.

To Provide Support Services for Families

The SUDC Program understands that families may grieve in isolation, without information, resources or the knowledge that other families exist with a similar loss. The SUDC Program aims to prevent this situation by offering support services that include a peer support program. Our Outreach Services Coordinater, is a nurse who facilitates all our support services.

To Share Accurate and Current SUDC Information with Families, Professionals and Communities

The SUDC program will collect and supply relevant information regarding sudden unexpected deaths occurring in childhood.

To Improve the Public’s Awareness and Understanding of SUDC

Through Internet technology, health fairs, related conventions and events, the program will provide a greater, and more accurate perception of SUDC.

To Advocate for Issues Related to SUDC

So many difficult issues surround sudden unexpected deaths in childhood.   The SUDC Program strives to address them. We are very concerned that families receive fair and sensitive treatment. Lasting wounds can be created when families are faced with undue stress while they are striving to cope with the all-consuming grief that follows the death of a beloved child. It benefits everyone to improve the postmortem investigations of all children who die in an unexpected manner. Comprehensive and standardized death investigations can provide the most accurate cause of death. This will help develop accurate statistics, provide a database to guide research and give parents a peace of mind.

To Raise Charitable Donations to Meet the Many Needs of SUDC

Funds donated to the CJ Foundation for SIDS are fully tax deductible. Those designated to SUDC will benefit The SUDC Program in all of its goals.  Learn how you can support SUDC.