Cot deaths, stillbirths, and the probation service: a potentially recognisable at risk group

Families of clients under the care of the probation service are at significantly higher risk of experiencing a cot death or a stillbirth than the general public. Pregnant women in the immediate families of clients under the care of the probation service should be identified to health service personnel involved in their antenatal and postnatal care in an effort to avert unnecessary deaths.