Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves today paid tribute to Queensland’s 3,800 foster and kinship carers who provide homes for abused and neglected children throughout Queensland.
Speaking on the eve of Mother’s Day, Mr Reeves said the state’s carers were true community heroes who provided safe and stable homes for more than 6,400 children and young people.
“Mother’s Day is an occasion to pay tribute to those persons who have had a great impact on our lives – a mother’s love and care knows no boundaries, a mother does everything to keep her children happy and safe,” Mr Reeves said.
“Our foster carers deserve to be acknowledged on Mother’s Day for stepping in and nurturing children at risk of abuse, when their mothers are unable to do so.
“Foster carers are the heart and soul of Queensland’s child protection system – they open their homes, protect our children and show them love and kindness.”
“At a family fun day at Mt Gravatt to thank and support local carers, Mr Reeves said Queenslanders had responded enthusiastically to the Bligh Government’s call for more carers.
“On Mother’s Day last year the Bligh Government launched its most extensive foster carer campaign with an ambition to recruit 500 new carers,” he said.
“The campaign has generated almost 7,000 inquiries from across the state.
“From those inquiries we have already recruited an extra 355 carers from across Queensland and expect to reach our target of recruiting 500 new carers by 30 June this year.
Mr Reeves said the Bligh Government had committed $15 million over five years to recruit, train and increase support for carers.
The money will go towards streamlining the approval process, reducing red tape and improving support networks and services for carers.
Mr Reeves also honored long serving foster carers from the Mt Gravatt, Stones Corner and Beenleigh areas for their dedication and commitment to protecting the region’s vulnerable children and young people with Certificates of Appreciation.
For more information on becoming a foster or kinship carer phone the Department of Communities, Child Safety Services on 1300 550 877 or visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Julia Sheedy, Minister Reeves’ office: 3224 7081
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