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A 10-year-old Indigenous boy took his own life while in state care.
The boy, who was living with state-approved relatives in Perth’s north, died on Friday night. Western Australia reported.
The boy and his parents cannot be named for legal reasons.
A 10-year-old indigenous boy has taken his own life while in state care (file photo)
The boy was among four children who were separated from their parents three years ago.
They had not seen the young man for eight months and said his Christmas presents were still wrapped for him to open.
The boy’s father told the newspaper that he “fell to the ground” when he was told the terrible news over the phone.
“I just screamed, hung up the phone and fell to the ground,” he said.
“Then I got a phone call again saying he was gone.”
The boy’s mother said: “We will never be able to get our little boy back.”
She remembered him as a “handsome young man” who loved football.
They were allowed to view his body on Tuesday and are now organizing his funeral.
A Department for Communities spokesperson said he could not comment on individual cases.
“The death of any child or young person is a tragedy that has a devastating impact on the families, friends and communities involved,” they said.
“The safety and wellbeing of children is always the Department for Communities’ top priority.”
For confidential assistance, call 24-hour Lifeline crisis support on: 13 11 14
Children’s helpline: 1800 55 1800