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THE New South Wales Department of Community Services (DOCS) failed to adequately investigate suicidal remarks made by a 13-year-old Sydney boy in the lead up to his death, an inquest has been told. Westmead Coroner's Court was holding an inquest into the hanging suicide of the teenager, who cannot be named, on December 18, 2004. The teenager's body was found in a wardrobe at his family's Baulkham Hills home by his stepfather. The boy, who was born in the Philippines and came to Australia when he was 10, had been a troubled youth and had a poor relationship with his mother, the inquest heard today. DOCS became involved with the boy in March 2004 after his behavioural problems – including lying, stealing, yelling and running away – worsened, the inquest heard. The boy was placed in temporary foster care, and was referred to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist later recommended the 13-year-old be restored to his family and arranged weekend visits to assist with the transition. But just one month after the weekend visits with his family commenced, the teenager took his own life. Detective Senior Constable Jennifer Ross, of the Hills Local Area Command (LAC), said the boy's school counsellors had made every effort to assist with counselling and support, but those efforts were not backed up by DOCS. "The school counsellors ... were professional, experienced and qualified in the area of school counselling and provided (the boy) with support and, in particular, listened to him," she said in a statement tendered to the inquest. "The school counsellors raised their concerns (with DOCS) at the earliest detection phase and made numerous attempts to convey their concerns (to DOCs), which was to no avail." Detective Ross said notifications to the DOCS helpline regarding the boy's suicidal remarks "were not adequately investigated". She said the suicidal remarks were "brushed over" by the department. The inquest before Coroner Carl Milovanovich continues. Counselling for troubled people is available on the following numbers: - Lifeline – 131 114 (cost of a local call) - Kids Help Line – 1800 55 1800 (free call) - Suicide Prevention Crisis Line – (02) 9331 2000 - SANE Helpline – 1800 688 382 (free call) AAP (10-4-2006) Amy Fallon See Also MAKO Referral. |
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