Key Takeaways:
- A 10-year-old Noongar boy, referred to as SJ, died while in state care, prompting a two-day inquest into his death.
- The inquest heard that SJ’s death may have been an accident, but a suicide had not been ruled out entirely.
- SJ had complex post-traumatic stress disorder, but had made significant progress in recent times, including achieving stellar NAPLAN results.
- The boy’s family and carers remembered him as a bright and mischievous child with an infectious smile.
- The coroner is unlikely to make any adverse findings against any individuals and will release her findings next year.
Introduction to the Inquest
The inquest into the death of a 10-year-old Noongar boy, SJ, who died while in state care, has begun. The court heard that SJ and some of his siblings were removed from their parents in 2020 following reports of neglect, and he was placed in the care of family via WA’s Department of Communities. SJ initially went to live with an aunt, but later requested to move in with her daughter, his 22-year-old cousin, who became his carer. The cousin found him entangled in a metal blind cord in her living room on April 12 last year and was unable to revive him.
The Investigation into SJ’s Death
The court heard evidence that SJ’s death was likely an accident, but a suicide had not been ruled out entirely. A police officer, psychologists, a paediatrician, and departmental executives all gave evidence during the two-day inquest. The investigation into SJ’s death is ongoing, and the coroner, Robyn Hartley, will now prepare her findings, which will likely be released next year. The coroner told the court that she was unlikely to make any adverse findings against any individuals.
SJ’s Life and Personality
SJ’s family and carers remembered him as a bright and mischievous child with an infectious smile. His father told the court that SJ was a proud Whadjuk-Noongar boy who loved animals, his siblings, and Skittles. SJ’s aunt and cousin also spoke about their love for him and his "mischievous" personality. Despite having complex post-traumatic stress disorder associated with his early years, SJ had made significant progress in more recent times, which was reflected in his high rate of school attendance. His school received his latest NAPLAN results shortly after he died, and these showed that he had performed well above the national average.
The Impact of SJ’s Death
The death of SJ has had a significant impact on his family and community. A large group of family and friends sat through both days of the inquest, and many were visibly emotional as they listened to the evidence. SJ’s father told the court that his son was missed every sunrise and sunset, and that "if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever." A suicide prevention advocate also spoke out about the death, saying that it marked the youngest recorded suicide in child protection in Western Australia.
The Importance of Support and Care
The inquest into SJ’s death highlights the importance of providing adequate support and care to children in state care. SJ’s family and carers did their best to provide him with a loving and stable environment, but he still struggled with complex emotional and psychological issues. The coroner’s findings will likely provide more insight into the circumstances surrounding SJ’s death and may make recommendations for improving the care and support provided to children in similar situations.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The inquest into SJ’s death has concluded, and the coroner will now prepare her findings. The community will have to wait until next year to hear the coroner’s conclusions and any recommendations she may make. In the meantime, SJ’s family and friends will continue to mourn the loss of a bright and vibrant young boy who had his whole life ahead of him. The death of SJ serves as a reminder of the importance of providing adequate support and care to children in state care, and the need for ongoing efforts to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.