Family of Cleveland Dodd demand change ahead of inquest
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains an image of a person who has died.
The family of a 16-year-old boy, the first child to die in youth detention in Western Australia, are demanding an overhaul of the state's justice system.
Cleveland Dodd died in hospital after self-harming while he was being held in the troubled Unit 18 youth detention centre last year.
Ahead of a coronial inquest into his death starting tomorrow, the teenager's family marched in Perth today, with his mother Nadene Dodd leading calls for change.
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Cleveland Dodd, 16, died after self-harming while in the notorious youth detention centre Unit 18. 9News
Traffic was brought to a halt as loved ones walked to the front steps of the Justice Department.
"We can only hope that this does bring about some real and lasting change," lawyer Dana Levitt said.
Cleveland's family believe Unit 18 is unsafe and should be shut down.
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Cleveland Dodd was the first child to die in youth detention in Western Australia. Supplied
"Juvenile justice is still putting people in there, and how do you think that that affects those kids there today," aunt Julie Dodd said.
Premier Roger Cook said more staff had been added to the unit and improvements had been made.
"It's not a perfect scenario, but it is the best that we can do," he said.
Friends and family marched in the streets of Perth ahead of the inquest into his death beginning tomorrow. 9News
The 16-year-old's family will attend the inquest in what they say will be the toughest eight days of their lives.
On Thursday, they will watch CCTV from the morning Cleveland self-harmed, before hearing directly from witnesses on Friday.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, beyond blue on 1300 22 4636 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
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