Zhane Chilcott inquest told of ignored emails and threats of self harm before his death in care

In the months before a 13-year-old boy took his life in state care his school was sending desperate emails trying to get him help – but they fell on deaf ears.

Two months before taking his own life in state care, a 13-year-old boy told a Child Protection Department super-visor that he would “kill himself” if returned to a residential care facility, an inquest has heard.

At the same time Zhane Chilcott was threatening self- harm, a counsellor at his southern suburbs school sent emails begging for the troubled teen to be referred for mental health support.

At least one of those emails to the same supervisor went unanswered, but an internal report written at some point that year by an unknown author, reached the conclusion that Zhane was “happy” being in care.

Zhane Chilcott who took his life in state care. Image taken from a memorial book made by his family.

The latest revelations about the circumstances in the months before Zhane died emerged as part of an inquest into his death in care.

The inquest, which began last year, has expanded its scope as more evidence has come to light, prompting Coroner David Whittle to call nine new witnesses.

The inquest heard that on May 10, 2016, a highly distressed Zhane spoke to supervisor Dianne Longman over the phone from his school.

During the conversation Zhane said “no one is listening to me” and “stated that he would kill himself if he were returned to his placement”.

Ms Longman said she was concerned but knew he was with a carer at the school.

The inquest heard that the Department did not follow up whether Zhane had a history of self-harm.

Keith Chilcott-Singpoo and his son Graham Chilcott (back left) outside the Coroners Court during the inquest into the suicide death of his son Zhane Chilcott while in the care of Families SA. Picture Emma Brasier

A later referral was made to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services but it did not mention Zhane’s threat to harm himself.

Two months later, on July 12, 2016, Zhane died at the residential care facility. The inquest heard that emails from the school seeking a referral for Zhane to receive assistance were sent to the Department on May 30, June 7 and June 30.

The final email, which raised questions about why Zhane, who had a history of trauma, had not received any therapeutic assistance in six months, was sent on July 7, five days before he died. The email went unanswered.

Ms Longman told the court an internal report concluded Zhane was happy with his placement. However, details of who authored the report are unclear, prompting concern from the Coroner.

Zhane Chilcott in 2014.

“The document speaks for itself,” Mr Whittle said.

“He indicates an extreme level of unhappiness and it is at odds with this document by whomever it was created and when. The boy, who says he would rather kill himself than go back to the unit, is not indicating that he is happy.”

The inquest heard that an email sent to a guardian said that the Department was no longer looking for a foster family and that he was likely to be in the facility until he was 18. The inquest continues.

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