The Bligh Government will invest more than $15 million over the next five years in recruiting and supporting foster families to care for Queensland’s most vulnerable children, Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech announced today.
Mrs Keech said the funding boost, secured as part of the mid-year Budget review, would go towards an extensive recruitment campaign to attract more desperately needed foster carers.
The money would also be spent on improving support networks and services for carers, she said.
“Foster carers are the true heart and soul of Queensland’s child protection system,” she said.
“These highly compassionate and committed people care for foster children as if they were their own.
“This is an investment in the future of Queensland. It’s about ensuring we attract more compassionate, dedicated people to care for our state’s most vulnerable children.
“Carers are vital but we need many more of these generous people.
“We will continue to expect the very best from our carers. The children and young people they look after have had tough lives already, and they deserve the very best of care.
“That’s why the Bligh Government is improving the services and support we offer these people who have the most important job in the state.
“All children have the right to feel safe and loved. To be nurtured and protected, so that they can grow into happy, confident young people.
“Sadly, not all children have these opportunities.
“By supporting foster carers giving vulnerable Queensland children loving, stable homes, we are helping give some of the Smart State’s next generation the best possible start.”
Mrs Keech said allowances for foster carers were boosted dramatically only last year, increasing by $40-$107.
Allowances, which are tax-free, now range from $370.61 to $434.02 per fortnight depending on the age of the child.
Mrs Keech said there were currently around 7,000 children and young people unable to live with their families because of abuse and neglect.
“In these situations, it is foster carers – every day people who open their hearts and homes to vulnerable young people – who can help turn this situation around,” she said.
“Foster carers don’t just provide a home for abused and neglected children, they also provide the vital love, care, understanding and support that these children so desperately need.
“However, while the state’s existing foster carers do a magnificent job, the need for more foster carers continues to grow.
“If we are going to really focus on meeting the individual needs of these children and young people, then we need more families willing to care for them.
“That’s why this ongoing investment in recruitment and support of carers is so important.
“We urgently need more families able to provide care for babies, children, adolescents, sibling groups and young people with challenging behaviours.”
Mrs Keech said carers were also needed to provide support care.
“This is an essential support to approved foster carers when they need a break from caring, time to deal with personal matters, or recover from illness,” she said.
“Support carers are often able to care for the same child on an ongoing basis, whether it’s once a week or once a month, thus becoming an important part of the child’s support network.”
Mrs Keech said carers came from a range of different backgrounds and through their tireless commitment they made an extraordinary difference in the lives of the children they cared for.
“Everyone has something unique to offer in terms of their life experiences and values, and becoming a carer provides an opportunity to share those with a child or young person in need of love and assistance,” she said.
For more information on becoming a foster carer, phone the Department of Child Safety on 1300 550 877 or visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au.
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