Inquest into the death of RRC

Case Number: 2021/317032

Findings Date: 6 July 2023

Magistrate: Carmel Forbes

CORONIAL LAW | First Nations death in custody; adequacy of treatment and care; RIT discharge summary documentation; cell placement after a RIT; follow up after RIT; RIT model; notifying nominated cares of a serious self harm of an inmate; culturally safe and appropriate care

Responses

Recommendations

The Chief Executive Officer Corrective Services NSW

1. That Corrective Services NSW review the process of discharge from a RIT; with a view to considering whether the current process is effective in reducing the risk of an inmate committing a further act of self-harm after he or she has been discharged from a RIT.

2. That, in the course of conducting its review referred to in recommendation 1, Corrective Services have regard to the RIT model in Western Australia.

3. That, in the course of conducting its review referred to in recommendation 1, Corrective Services New South Wales consider notifying nominated carers of a RIT placement or suicide attempt.

4. That Corrective Services NSW consider whether alternative models to the RIT process could be utilised to reduce the risk of an inmate committing a further act of self-harm after he or she has been discharged from a RIT.

5. That, in the course of conducting its consideration referred to in recommendation 4, Corrective Services have regard to the HOPE Inside model in Victoria.

6. That, in the course of conducting the review referred to in recommendation 1 and giving the consideration referred to in recommendation 4, Corrective Services NSW consider the importance of:

i. Providing for continuity of care; and

ii. Providing for a support person to be nominated.

7. That Corrective Services, in conducting the review referred to in recommendation 1 and giving the consideration referred to in recommendation 4, consult the Aboriginal Medical Research Council for advice.