Child SJ inquest told 10-year-old boy’s death likely accidental, but suicide can’t be ruled out completely

The death of a 10-year-old Indigenous boy in State care was most likely an accident, but suicide can’t be ruled out completely, an inquest has been told. Detective Sergeant Hugh Scott gave that evidence in his testimony on the first day of the inquest into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death. Coroner Robyn Hartley is exploring the standard of care afforded to the boy, referred to as SJ, and whether any action or inaction by the Department of Communities contributed to his death on April 12, 2024. SJ and three of his siblings were removed from his parents’ care in 2020 following reports of neglect and emotional abuse. His parents’ relationship was described as “volatile” and permeated with violence and drug use. He was initially placed with an aunt, before a breakdown in the placement led to him being placed with his cousin in August 2023. Each placement was vetted and approved by the department. The court was told SJ had exhibited symptoms of complex developmental trauma, and that he likely had post-traumatic stress disorder, although he never received an official diagnosis. His cousin, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was just 22-years-old when SJ came into her care in 2023. She and her partner at the time were already caring for two of his siblings. She told the court on Monday that she didn’t believe SJ was suicidal, as he had been talking about going back to school after the April holidays. She described coming home from the shops in the hours before SJ’s death. He had stayed home alone for several hours because he didn’t want to go shopping. Upon her return about 5.15pm, she went upstairs to watch TV while SJ remained downstairs watching his own show. Her partner had also returned home from work about 5pm and went upstairs for a nap. It was just before 8.30pm when the pair re-emerged, coming downstairs to find SJ had become entangled in a blind cord above the couch. SJ’s cousin described screaming as she realised he wasn’t breathing, before pulling him down and immediately starting CPR while her partner called triple-0. The little boy was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. Det. Sgt Scott told the court he agreed with the assessment of police officers who attended the scene that the death was accidental. “I can’t completely rule out self-harm, but I tend to agree it was an accident,” he said. The coroner agreed, saying “whilst no one can be certain”, she was leaning towards that it was a tragic accident. Following SJ’s cousin’s testimony, Ms Hartley told SJ’s cousin she would not be apportioning blame to her. “I want to let you know right now that nothing before me, and nothing you have said, leads me to believe that I need to make a comment or make a finding that is adverse towards you and your conduct,” she said. “You clearly loved him and you provided him with a home that wasn’t perfect but there were lots of wonderful things about it.” Both SJ’s cousin and her ex-partner were asked whether they were provided with any training or resources by the Department of Communities about caring for children with complex needs and trauma. Both indicated that support was very minimal and that they would have liked more. Ms Hartley said she will “never lose sight of the fact that a little boy was lost here”, and indicated that she would be closely examining the “systems and processes” in place that may have had an effect on SJ’s care. The inquest resumes on Tuesday. Lifeline 13 11 14 For culturally safe First Nations crisis support, call 13YARN on 13 92 76