Vulnerable Mount Isa children and young people will be given safe homes after a Bligh Government injection of more than $1.4 million over three years to secure more local foster care places.
Minister for Child Safety Phil Reeves today announced Churches of Christ Pathways in Mount Isa would receive the funding enabling them to recruit, train and support more local foster carers.
“Churches of Christ will now support foster carers to provide safe homes for 80 vulnerable children and young people aged up to 17 years with moderate to high support needs,” Mr Reeves said.
Mr Reeves said the organisation had an excellent track record of recruiting and supporting local foster carers and the additional funding would help them continue their good work.
The funding is part of a Bligh Government commitment of more than $12 million across the state for organisations to recruit, train and support foster and kinship carers who open their hearts and homes to at-risk children.
State Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan said there were close to 80 children and young people living in the homes of close to 40 Mount Isa foster carers.
“Foster carers are the backbone of the child protection system and while every one of our current carers is a valuable asset, we still need more,” Ms Kiernan said.
“All children have the right to basics such as food, shelter, safety, love, education, spiritual and cultural wellbeing, belonging and opportunities for their future.
“The hard work of our community partners and foster carers help us to make sure that more than 7,200 abused and neglected Queensland children unable to live at home receive these basics,” she said.
Ms Kiernan said sadly, because of the neglect or abuse they have suffered, children and young people in the government’s care could also have additional - and sometimes very complex - support needs
“This is why the work of organisations such as Churches of Christ Pathways is so important.”
Media contact: Minister’s office 3224 7081
Ms Kiernan’s office 4743 5149
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