Illegal drug link to be examined at inquest into baby's death

His mother was apparently not complying with her methadone program, and the inquest will also look at the actions taken by child protection authorities and Karinya House in light of that, an issues paper said.

The inquest would further look at the advice child protection authorities and others gave to breastfeeding mothers, and the extent doctors and child protection authorities kept a watch on the boy.

The boy died on June 25, 2017, when he was three months old. At the time he was living with his mother at Karinya House, which provides accommodation for vulnerable women and their babies.

The issues paper released by the coroner's office on Thursday said the inquest would consider the manner and cause of the baby's death and particularly the "potential effect of illicit drugs on an infant's health".

The inquest will also consider potential recommendations in relation to matters of public safety.

Counsel assisting the coroner Sarah Baker-Goldsmith told the court her office had not been able to reach the baby's mother ahead of Thursday's directions hearing.

However, Ms Baker-Goldsmith introduced the baby’s grandmother, who was sitting in the public gallery, to Chief Coroner Lorraine Walker.

The ACT government and Karinya House were both granted leave to appear in the inquest

Ms Walker set down the inquest to be heard over five days from May 29 to June 4.

The matter returns to court on February 2 for directions.