Latest news with #SistersInside
ABC News
5 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Boy's suicide in residential care home should 'jolt' child safety department into action, advocates say
WARNING: This story contains distressing content. A 15-year-old Aboriginal boy, subject to a child protection order, died by suicide in a Queensland residential care home last weekend. His body was discovered by other children at the Ipswich facility, south of Brisbane. It has prompted calls from advocates for his death to be investigated by an ongoing inquiry into the state's "broken" child protection system. That 17-month commission of inquiry is reviewing the system's approach to keeping children safe. Sisters Inside chief executive Debbie Kilroy said the young people supported by the organisation were extremely "distressed" by the boy's death. "I'm confused about why these deaths of children in care continue to happen," she told the ABC. Youth Advocacy Centre chief executive Katherine Hayes said the child's "shocking death" should "jolt" the Department of Child Safety into action. "How many more lives of children will be wasted?" she questioned. Ms Hayes urged the government to "address the obvious failings in the residential care system without delay". "Everyday, children are suffering in placements that are not fit for purpose," she said. "These kids cannot wait for the outcome of the current Child Safety Commission — the government must act now." The risk of suicide is up to four times higher among children in out-of-home care than in the general population, according to research by Queensland's Child Death Review Board. The state's Family and Child Commissioner Luke Twyford said he struggled to comprehend the numbers. "Over the last five years, 29 children who were known to the child protection system have died by suicide," he said. "The death of any child is an immense loss, and it's vital we honour them by learning all we can from their life experiences." The Department of Child Safety said legislation prevented it from disclosing information about individual cases. "Keeping vulnerable children safe remains our highest priority," a spokesperson said in a statement. "Young people known to the department have often been exposed to trauma, including abuse, violence and neglect, which can negatively affect their mental health and wellbeing." The department said if a child who died had been known to child safety authorities in the 12 months before their death, a review would be undertaken by a specialist internal team. "This review is then considered by the independent Child Death Review Board located within the Queensland Family and Child Commission," the spokesperson said. Queensland Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm said the loss of any young life was a "tragedy". "The Children in Care Census 2024 details a harrowing picture of the mental health struggles of young people living in out-of-home care in this state, and that is deeply concerning to me," she said. The minister said the commission of inquiry had been called to investigate the system as a whole "through the lens of young people".
ABC News
03-06-2025
- General
- ABC News
Queensland coroner to investigate death in custody of woman charged with daughter's murder
Queensland's coroners office will probe the "bizarre" death of Lauren Flanigan, who was under guard in one of the state's most secure prisons. Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, located at Wacol, accommodates female prisoners accused of the most serious crimes. Ms Flanigan arrived at the centre on Thursday charged with the murder of her three-year-old daughter Sophia Rose, who was found with stab wounds at a home in Moore Park Beach on May 26. On Friday night, the 32-year-old was found unresponsive in her cell. She was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital and placed in the intensive care unit, where she died on Sunday night. The ABC understands Ms Flanigan suffered a medical episode while in her cell. "It's just bizarre that someone can be in a police watch house, and then a prison cell, and then be found unresponsive," said Debbie Kilroy, a prisoner advocate and CEO of Sisters Inside. Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber has been contacted for comment. The Coroners Court of Queensland (CCQ) independently investigates reportable deaths, including every death in custody. An inquest would likely consider the circumstances leading up to Ms Flanigan's death, the supervision she was under at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, and how she died. The coroner could also determine and make findings to prevent similar deaths from occurring. Queensland Police Service has confirmed it will prepare a report for the coroner regarding the deaths of Ms Flanigan and her daughter Sophia Rose. At the time of her death, Ms Flanigan was awaiting her next court date for the alleged murder of her daughter at the family's home, north of Bundaberg. Last week, police said they were in the early stages of their investigation. Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the community wants answers. "I just think our whole community has gone through an incredible emotional rollercoaster," he said.
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Climate
- News.com.au
Brisbane Airport blackout as fog closes in on city
There have been reports of a major blackout at Brisbane's domestic airport terminals this morning, as a thick fog blankets part of the River City. A number of travellers have taken to social media channel X this morning to say they had been greeted with a power blackout at Brisbane airport, and sharing pictures. Sisters Inside CEO Debbie Kilroy tweeted about the blackout, but told the ABC 612 Brisbane the lights had come back on about 6.30. NSW league identity Phil Gould was among the people caught out, tweeting that there were 'no lights, no flights in or out … Great start to a busy day'. It comes as a heavy fog envelopes parts of Brisbane city.
