Black Hawk 221 Board of Inquiry
NEXT OF KIN AND FAMILY SUPPORT
Attending a Board of Inquiry associated with the death of a loved one is something that many bereaved families want to do. However, it can be a highly stressful experience. It can also reactivate painful feelings experienced earlier in the bereavement process.
In recognition of this, Defence has put in place a range of support arrangements for families who attend the Black Hawk 221 Board of Inquiry.
Defence is able to assist primary next of kin who wish to attend a Board of Inquiry in two ways. The first is by providing travel and accommodation (and, where appropriate, assistance with child care) during the Board of Inquiry.
The second level of assistance is by providing emotional and practical support during the Board of Inquiry. This is provided through the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) Support Team.
The role of the DCO Support Team is to ensure that families have appropriate practical assistance to support their attendance at the BOI sittings and to ensure they have specialist advice and emotional support.
Members of the DCO Support Team will be in attendance at the inquiry sittings and will also be available, as required, before and after the sittings.
The DCO Support Team will respect the families’ need for privacy, and interaction with the families will always be in accordance with the families’ wishes.
It is important for members of the media and general public also to be mindful of the families’ privacy.
The DCO Support Team is also available to provide advice and support for families not attending the BOI in person.