Coronial Counselling and Information Service (CCIS)
When people become involved with the coronial system, it is often under very difficult and sometimes traumatic circumstances. When a family member dies suddenly you may feel a great sense of powerlessness, confusion and a loss of control over your life.
To help with this, a counselling and information service is available to provide initial support and counselling to persons coming into contact with the coronial system and provides information to families about the progress of their loved one’s case through the coronial system. The Coronial Counselling and Information Service (CCIS) operates within the Office of the State Coroner. CCIS is the link between families and the coronial system – justice, health, and police. CCIS can also make referrals to services for grief and loss counselling.
The officers of the Coronial Counselling and Information Service aim to impart clear and accurate information, with compassion.
A coronial inquiry is an extended process that may take many months to complete. As such, CCIS may be able to assist you with the following:
The coronial inquiry process
Provide updated information on the status of the inquiry and answer questions raised by the family.
Objection to post-mortem examination
Explain your rights under the Coroners Act, discuss the implications of placing an Objection and likely timeframes.
The post-mortem process
Explain the medical examination and scientific tests that are required to determine a cause of death.
Medical terminology
Explaining the cause of death in an understandable way and any implications for your family.
Organ retention issues
In a minority of cases following a post-mortem examination it may be necessary for organs and/or tissues to be retained for further examination. Coronial Counselling and Information Office can explain the situation.
Role of children
Advise on ways to talk to children about death, how they can be included in the funeral and how they express their grief.
Viewings
Procedural advice to family members attending the State Mortuary to view the body of a loved one.
Counselling
Assist with initial support and counselling and assist with longer term counselling options and arrange referrals to community agencies or professional counsellors (if necessary). This may include support groups appropriate to your needs.
File Viewing
Arrange for you to view the coronial file either prior to or following the Coroner completing a Finding.
Inquest Preparation
Explain what happens at an inquest and arrange for court support during the Inquest.
Contact Us
Coronial Counselling and Information Service
Coroner's Court of Western Australia
Department of Justice
Central Law Courts
Level 10, 501 Hay Street
PERTH WA 6000
Please call the Coroner's Court during office hours and ask to speak with a Coronial Counselling and Information Officer.
Office hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday
Telephone: (08) 9425 2900
Country callers: 1800 671 994
Fax: (08) 9425 2901
Email: coroner@justice.wa.gov.au
Last updated: 2 December 2024