Community organisations across Queensland are being given a chance to receive up to $1,000 to participate in Child Protection Week 2009.
Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves today announced one-off funding of almost $90,000 to the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) to assist with the commemoration of Child Protection Week in September.
Non-government organisations, community organisations and networks are being encouraged to apply for activity grants of up to $1,000 to stage public events that positively support Child Protection Week 2009 throughout the state.
Mr Reeves said Child Protection Week promoted the belief that it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure their community is child-friendly.
“Child Protection Week is a reminder that everyone in the community is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children,” Mr Reeves said.
“It’s a sad fact that we have more than 7,200 children and young people in Queensland who cannot live safely at home because one or more of their parents abuse or neglect them.
“This number is rising. Unfortunately, many of these children and young people are traumatised because of the abuse or neglect they have suffered.
“But experts say children can recover if they have one adult in their life who is unconditionally positive towards them.”
Mr Reeves said every Queensland child should have at least one adult who is regularly in their life, who is genuinely pleased to see them, who believes in them and who can guide them towards a bright, happy future.
“It does not even have to be a parent or another relative. That person can be a neighbour, a school teacher, a sporting coach or the person who runs the school tuckshop.”
Queensland is being asked to embrace this year’s Child Protection Week’s theme of Take Action for Child Protection.
Successful community groups throughout Queensland will receive a share in $89,882 in funding to participate in Child Protection Week, which officially starts on Father’s Day (Sunday, September 6) and runs until Saturday, September 12.
The funding will support activities throughout the week, including the official launch, the annual Child Protection Week Awards Ceremony, the Remembrance Ceremony, CREATE dinner for young people, organised activities and displays in Brisbane and state libraries and statewide community activities.
A Child Protection Week dinner will be held on September 11 at Sebel & Citigate, King George Square, Brisbane.
“I encourage organisations to apply for the activity grants to help them raise awareness and participation in Child Protection Week. I also acknowledge the special work done by community groups to promote positive parenting and provide child protection services,” Mr Reeves said.
Applications for the activity grants close on Friday, May 29, 2009. Successful applicants will receive full or partial grants.
For more information, contact Queensland Child Protection Week project officer Caitlin King on (07) 3844 6144, or visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Minister Reeves’ office 3224 7081
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