Inquest wraps up into death of Perth 10yo boy in Department of Communities care
SJ died while under the care of the WA Department of Communities. (Supplied: The National Justice Project)
In short:
The family of a 10-year-old boy who died in state care has paid tribute to the bright and mischievous child, who was proud of his Indigenous culture.
The father, aunt and cousin of the boy, known as SJ, spoke at the final day of the two-day inquest into his death.
What's next?
Coroner Robyn Hartley will now prepare her findings, which are likely to be released next year.
WARNING: This story contains distressing content.
A 10-year-old Noongar boy who died while in state care has been remembered as a bright and mischievous child with an infectious smile during a two-day inquest into his death.
The child, who the court has chosen to call SJ, died last year, triggering an automatic coronial inquest because he was under state care at the time.
The court heard 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 court heard evidence that SJ's death was likely an accident, but a suicide had not been ruled out entirely.
Stellar NAPLAN results
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.
SJ's school received his latest NAPLAN results shortly after he died, and these showed that — against all odds — he had performed well above the national average.
The boy was being cared for by his cousin and her partner at the time of his death in 2024. (ABC News)
A large group of family and friends sat through both days of the inquest, which heard from a police officer, psychologists, a paediatrician, and departmental executives.
Through tears, SJ's father told the court his son was a proud Whadjuk-Noongar boy who loved animals, his siblings, and Skittles.
"We have been and will always be loving, caring parents," he said.
SJ's family says he was proud of his Aboriginal heritage. (ABC News: Hamish Harty )
"We made choices and engaged in actions that were wrong, but that doesn't take away our love for our children.
"He is missed, every sunrise and sunset.
"If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever."
Pride and mischief
SJ's aunt and cousin also spoke about their love for him and his "mischievous" personality.
"We were not only his carers but his family and became his safe people," his aunt said.
"He was very proud to be Indigenous and always sought to learn more about his culture."
His cousin, who gave evidence at the inquest about finding him unconscious, said he was "loved beyond measure and missed beyond words".
Coroner Robyn Hartley will now prepare her findings, which will likely be released next year.
She told the court she was unlikely to make any adverse findings against any individuals.
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