UPDATE: A critical inquest is set to deliver its findings today regarding the tragic death of Cleveland Dodd, a 16-year-old boy who died in Western Australia’s juvenile detention system. Cleveland, who self-harmed on October 12, 2023, was the first child to die while in custody, and his story has sparked nationwide outrage and demands for change.
The inquest, which began in April 2022 and concluded in July 2023, is the longest-running coronial inquiry in Western Australia. It revealed harrowing details about Cleveland’s time in Unit 18, a facility criticized for its inhumane conditions. Cleveland spent approximately three months in detention before he was found unresponsive in his cell, which is linked to an adult maximum-security prison.
Cleveland’s mother, Nadene Dodd, expressed her anguish, stating, “We want truth, not excuses. We want Cleveland’s suffering accounted for.” She described her son’s final days as torturous, highlighting a lack of care and support from the juvenile justice system. During the inquest, it was revealed that Cleveland had repeatedly communicated suicidal thoughts and was denied basic needs, including water, despite asking for it numerous times.
The coroner, Philip Urquhart, hinted in an early assessment on December 8 that he may recommend the closure of Unit 18 due to its deplorable conditions. Staff described the unit as a “war zone” where detainees are held for up to **22 hours a day** in unsanitary cells. The WA government has commenced plans for a new $158 million facility to replace Unit 18, but it may not be completed for at least three years, raising concerns that the current unit could remain operational until 2028.
“Cleveland’s death is one of the clearest indictments of a system that harms children instead of helping them,” said social justice advocate Gerry Georgatos. He insists that the inquest findings should lead to the immediate closure of Unit 18 and a shift towards community-based therapeutic solutions.
Nadene Dodd also emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “Real justice would be if Cleveland was still alive… but since that cannot happen, justice now means accountability.” She hopes the inquest will name the failures that led to her son’s death, emphasizing the need for systemic change to prevent future tragedies.
As Cleveland’s family awaits the inquest’s findings, they are preparing for the emotional toll the results may bring. Nadene shared her heartbreaking experience of witnessing her son in the hospital, saying, “Seeing him lying there – my boy who should’ve been safe – was something no parent should ever live through.”
The urgency of this case has resonated deeply within the community and beyond, highlighting the dire need for reforms in the juvenile justice system. The world watches as the inquest prepares to unveil its conclusions, which could shape the future of child custody practices in Australia.
Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops, and join the conversation on social media using #ClevelandDodd to support the call for justice and reform.
