Teen detainees preparing to sue NSW government for 'false imprisonment' in isolation
A teenage boy who attempted to hang himself and another who cut his face after prolonged time in isolation are preparing to sue the NSW government, Fairfax reports.
Corrections Minister David Elliot was informed of another instance in which a teenage detainee was held in isolation for more than 100 days in a row, according to an unnamed senior Juvenile Justice official who spoke with Fairfax.
The same department official said it was common for detainees kept in solitary to bang their heads on walls in an attempt at self-harm.
"I am aware that one detainee spent 166 days over a 10-month period in the most restrictive phases of the now-closed program which involved lengthy time in rooms," Mr Elliott said.
One of the boys preparing to sue, a 16-year-old, attempted suicide and now hears voices, telling his lawyer his time in isolation "stuffed me in the head".
Another teen, a 17-year-old who self-harmed, said other children were "covered in scars" following stints in isolation.
The pair are seeking compensation for "solitary confinement", alleging false imprisonment and breaches of the legislative safeguards.
Both were recently held in isolation at the Cobham Juvenile Justice Centre after being charged with serious offences.
The 16-year-old boy, who is Indigenous, reportedly trashed his cell after learning of the death of his mother.
He was placed in "seggro", as the isolation unit is referred to inside, where his mental state deteriorated.
The teenager spent six weeks locked in cell for more than 22 hours a day, he told his solicitor Rebecca Dunlop.
"Recreation" time consisted of a few hours spent handcuffed in a small concrete enclosure.
He attempted to hang himself with a shirt, but guards watching on CCTV managed to rescue him in time.
The youth remains on anti-psychotic medication and experiences auditory hallucinations, which he did not experience before his time in isolation.
"If you don't have anyone to talk to it makes you crazy... you are living like an animal locked in a cage," he told Ms Dunlop.
These reports come after the minister told the parliament in September "there is no provision of practice of isolation in youth custody".
However, last week the minister called for an independent review of the "lengthy periods of time in rooms" following Fairfax revelations regarding four boys isolated in accordance with "detainee risk management plans".
The minister will announce a $1 million funding boost on Friday to assist with high-risk detainee management while an independent advisory committee will oversee a training, record keeping and governance overhaul.
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
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