UPDATE: A critical inquest into the tragic death of 16-year-old Cleveland Dodd is set to reveal its findings today, marking a pivotal moment for juvenile justice in Western Australia. Cleveland, the first child to die while in custody, tragically self-harmed inside Unit 18 on October 12, 2023, after enduring months of isolation and neglect.
Authorities confirm that Cleveland was found unresponsive in his cell, which is located adjacent to an adult maximum-security prison. After being rushed to the hospital, he passed away a week later, surrounded by his family. This inquest, the longest in Western Australia’s history, has shed light on the severe conditions Cleveland faced, including limited access to basic needs and mental health support.
Cleveland’s mother, Nadene Dodd, expressed her anguish, stating, “It has been more than two years without my son, and no findings can ever bring him home.” She calls for accountability and an end to practices that lead to suffering for children in custody. “We want truth, not excuses,” she emphasized, highlighting the urgent need for reform in the juvenile justice system.
The inquest revealed disturbing details about Cleveland’s treatment. It was reported that he was kept in his cell for over 20 hours a day, often without adequate food or water, despite multiple requests. An officer admitted to failing to monitor him properly, and the environment was described as “inhumane,” where young detainees faced severe neglect.
Coroner Philip Urquhart hinted at possible recommendations to permanently close Unit 18, which was hastily established following a riot at Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre. While the Western Australian government is investing $158 million into a new facility to replace Unit 18, it may remain operational until at least 2028.
Social justice advocate Gerry Georgatos has been a vocal supporter of Cleveland’s family, arguing that the inquest’s findings must lead to immediate structural reforms in the juvenile detention system. He criticized the current punitive practices and stressed the importance of community-based therapeutic approaches.
As the inquest prepares to deliver its findings, the Dodd family remains anxious but hopeful for justice. Nadene Dodd’s heartbreaking testimony underscores the emotional toll of Cleveland’s death, stating, “If Cleveland’s death leads to protecting others, then his story will live on.”
With the coroner’s decision imminent, many are watching closely to see if it will lead to meaningful changes that ensure the safety and well-being of children in custody. The outcome of this inquest could set a precedent for juvenile justice reform across Australia, making it a pivotal moment for advocacy and change in the system.
As the community awaits the findings, there is a collective hope for accountability and a promise that no other child will endure what Cleveland experienced. The time for change is now, and the eyes of the nation are on Western Australia as they seek justice for Cleveland Dodd.
