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    For families

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    When a death is reported for investigation the Coroners Court will contact the nominated family member in writing within a few days to explain the process and provide some helpful information.

    The Coroners Court works with its partner agencies Queensland Health and the Queensland Police Service to investigate deaths. The court works to minimise delays for families and provides information about coronial processes and outcomes as they are available.

    People react to death differently and grieve in very individual ways. If you’re concerned about yourself, or someone else at this difficult time, many organisations can give you support and advice.

    Please visit the pages linked below to learn more about coronial investigations and how we can help:

    If family or friends cannot arrange or pay for the funeral of a loved one who has died in Queensland (and the deceased’s estate cannot cover the cost of a funeral), the Queensland Government may organise a simple cremation or burial.

    Seek help (resource coming soon)

    The Coroners Court of Queensland (CCQ) independently investigates reportable deaths. We understand this can be a distressing and overwhelming time for family members and friends. We extend our condolences to you for your loss. We encourage you to keep this guide with you throughout the process. We aim to complete investigations as quickly as possible, however the length of the investigation will depend on a number of variables including the complexity of the case.

    Coronial investigations guide for families and friends

    Other languages - Coronial investigations guide for families and friends

    The fact sheet is available in the following languages:

    Coronial Family Services is part of Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services. In the first few days of a coronial investigation, counsellors may provide information and support to relatives and close friends of people whose deaths are being investigated.

    Counsellors can provide information about:

    • the process of a coronial investigation
    • preliminary and autopsy examinations (including possible organ and tissue retention)
    • support for identifications and viewings
    • referrals to support groups and local services
    • advocating and liaising with other agencies on your behalf

    Coronial Family Services is based in Brisbane but provides assistance by telephone to people throughout the state.

    You can contact Coronial Family Services by

    Free call 1800 449 171

    Phone: (07) 3096 2794

    Email: fss_counsellors@health.qld.gov.au

    Queensland Coronial Legal Service

    Caxton Legal Centre and Townsville Community Legal Service operate the Queensland Coronial Legal Service which:

    • provides free legal advice to bereaved family members about any aspect of the coronial process and associated issues;
    • provide representation to family members appearing in some inquests (where the matter fits with casework guidelines); and
    • works with other service providers to help bereaved families connect with social work, counselling and other support services.

    For more information you can make an appointment by contacting:

    Caxton Legal Centre

    Phone: (07) 3214 6333

    Email: caxton@caxton.org.au

    Website: caxton.org.au

    Townsville Community Legal Service

    Phone: (07) 4721 5511

    Email: tcls@tcls.org.au

    Website: tcls.org.au

    Support Services for families and friends

    • Standby Suicide Service – Uniting Care suicide bereavement programs for people who live in the Brisbane and Far North Queensland
    • Lifeline – Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention
    • Kids Helpline – Free, private, confidential phone and online counseling for 5 to 25 year olds
    • Reach Out -  Mental health organisation for young people and their parents
    • Red Nose - For families who have experienced the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child
    • Victims Counselling and Support Services – For people affected by violent crime, either directly or indirectly.
    • Queensland Homicide Victims Support Group – Range of support services for people affected by the death of a loved one by homicide
    • The Compassionate Friends, Qld Inc. – Grief support for parents, siblings and grandparents after the death of a child
    • Salvos Careline – Phone crisis counselling for issues including bereavement
    • Victims Assist Queensland – Referral services for victims of crime and their families, includes financial assistance information for funeral expenses
    • Paradise Kids – Grief and loss support program for kids
    • Suicide Call Back Service – Phone counselling for those at risk of suicide and those affected by the death of a loved one by suicide
    • Griefline – Supports people experiencing loss and grief at any stage of life
    • Oneplace -  Community services directory for Queensland parents, families and professionals looking for support.
    • National Indigenous Postvention Service - Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families impacted by a loss from suicide or other traumatic event through 24/7 culturally responsive support.

    You may also seek independent legal advice about your options regarding a coronial investigation. You can contact:

    • Legal Aid Queensland for information and referral for legal advice, and advice on whether you qualify for free legal aid;
    • Queensland Law Society for names of legal firms in your area that specialise in inquests and coronial law;
    • Community Legal Centres Queensland for the nearest community legal service available to you; and
    • LawRight (formerly QPILCH) an independent, not-for-profit, community-based legal organisation providing pro bono legal services.

    If family or friends cannot arrange or pay for the funeral of a loved one who has died in Queensland (and the deceased’s estate cannot cover the cost of a funeral), the Queensland Government may organise a simple cremation or burial.

    For further information, please refer to the Funeral Assistance page.