The Bligh Government has committed more than $5.88 million over the next three years to support and protect abused and neglected Fraser Coast children.
Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves today announced three-year funding packages to several non-government organisations to provide counselling and recruit specialist foster carers to provide homes for children and young people.
The funds are going to St Vincent de Paul Society (more than $680,000), Wide Bay Sexual Assault Association (almost $642,000), Peirson Services (more than $1.48 million), Churches of Christ Queensland Pathways (more than $2.4 million) and Queensland Baptist Care (more than $634,000).
"Thanks to community partners like these organisations, children and young people who have been abused or neglected are receiving the support they need, have a safe place to stay and a much brighter future,” Mr Reeves said.
“St Vincent de Paul Society, Peirson Services and Queensland Baptist Care will provide counselling to vulnerable children, young people and their families and carers.
“Wide Bay Sexual Assault Association will provide sexual abuse intervention, counselling and support for vulnerable children and young people and their families.
“Churches of Christ Pathways will recruit, train and support specialist foster carers to provide safe and loving homes for 10 children and young people.
“These children can have complex support needs such as medical issues, disabilities, or challenging behaviour.
“Pathways will also use the funds to provide therapeutic support for the children and young people and assisting them to access any psychiatric counselling or specialist medical attention they need.”
Mr Reeves said it was a sad fact that as at 31 December 2008, almost 200 children and young people in Fraser Coast area could not live safely at home because one or both of their parents abused or neglected them.
“Protecting our children is an enormous responsibility. That’s why we are investing another record amount of $638 million in child protection in the 2009-10 State Budget.
“Despite the global financial crisis, the Bligh Government is committed to maintaining our essential child protection services.”
The funds to the non-government organisations will help create and sustain 18.7 full-time-equivalent jobs.
Media contact: Minister Reeves’ office 3235 9236.
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