The Bligh Government has committed more than $2.05 million over three years to help children and young people in Brisbane’s northern suburbs overcome the trauma of abuse and neglect.
State Member for Kallangur Mary-Anne O’Neill said Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves had confirmed funding to Marsden Families Program at Kallangur to counsel children.
“This funding will enable the Marsden Families Program to provide counselling, including therapeutic assistance, to northside children and young people referred by the Department of Communities,” Ms O’Neill said.
“Children and young people in care have often suffered severe abuse or neglect.
“This can leave them with emotional scars and behavioural issues that counselling can help them work through.
“The support and counselling they receive from organisations like Marsden help these young people begin to rebuild their lives, and possibly even return home to their own families if it’s safe.”
Mr Reeves said it was a sad fact that as at 31 December 2008, more than 850 children and young people in this Brisbane northern corridor – spanning Fortitude Valley to Alderley, Chermside, Pine Rivers, Caboolture and Redcliffe – could not live safely at home because one or both of their parents abused or neglected them.
“With this funding, Marsden can reach out to more child abuse victims in Brisbane’s northern suburbs to give them a brighter future.
"Protecting our children is an enormous responsibility. That’s why we are investing a record $638 million investment in child protection in 2009-10.
“Despite the global financial crisis, the Bligh Government is committed to maintaining our essential child protection services.”
The Marsden funding will also help create and sustain six full-time-equivalent jobs.
Media contact: Minister's office 3235 9236
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