Thompson, Leanne Melissa

Contributing factors

• Relationship with abusive and drug-supplying adult
• Chronic substance abuse including heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, Xanax
• Untreated or poorly managed mental health conditions including depression and self-harm
• Refusal to engage with support services
• Lack of secure therapeutic care facilities for high-risk adolescents in Queensland
• Inadequate monitoring of safety plan by Department of Child Safety
• Department lacking legislative authority to forcibly remove child from unsuitable placement
• Staffing resource issues impacting child protection service delivery
• Repeated verbal abuse and encouragement to self-harm by O'Sachy
• Physical violence and assault by O'Sachy

Coroner's recommendations

1. A copy of the findings should be sent to the Queensland Child Protection Commission of Inquiry for consideration, particularly regarding policy and legislative reform to address care models for high-risk adolescents
2. The Commission should consider whether secure therapeutic care facilities should be established in Queensland for adolescents on child protection orders who have disengaged from placements and services, with complex needs including substance abuse and high-risk behaviours
3. Legislative reform should be examined to determine whether powers should exist for forcible removal and therapeutic detention of children and young people at imminent risk of serious harm, noting the Forde Inquiry's prior concerns about detention efficacy
4. The Department should address ongoing staffing and resource issues affecting the 'Child Under Orders Team' to enable adequate fulfilment of child protection responsibilities
5. Policies and procedures should emphasize escalation and multi-agency response when child protection notifications involve serious allegations and high-risk situations