E, aged 14 - Non-inquest findings

14y · Male·hanging

A 14-year-old Aboriginal boy died by suicide by hanging at his school. He had experienced childhood trauma including neglect, domestic violence, and parental separation. He was living with his paternal grandmother after leaving his mother's care in 2012. Despite receiving support from school, a community youth worker, and mental health services, his suicide risk was not identified. CYMHS assessed him as low risk for self-harm in March 2013 despite his history of self-harm and hearing voices. The coroner found no evidence that professionals should have predicted his suicide, noting he appeared outgoing and did not express suicidal intent until the morning of his death when he disclosed plans to classmates who did not believe him. System failures in child protection regarding earlier intervention in his childhood trauma were noted but were not directly causative.