The Bligh Government has committed more than $2.47 million over three years to provide safe places to live for abused and neglected children and young people in the Jimboomba area.
Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves today announced that Spiritus TRACC would receive funding of $2,473,000 over three years.
“This funding will enable Spiritus TRACC to provide a small group home for older children and teenagers to live with around-the-clock carers,” he said.
“These children and young people have often suffered severe abuse or neglect. Their emotional scars and behavioural issues mean they can struggle to adjust to living with a foster family.
“They can have extreme needs related to their medical issues, disabilities, or challenging and sometimes violent behaviour.
”The care they receive in these group homes helps these young people begin to rebuild their lives, and move on to live with foster families or even return home to their own families.”
“Based on Spiritus TRACC’s record over the past three years, the government will continue to fund and work with Spiritus TRACC to provide safe and supportive places for these vulnerable children and young people.”
Mr Reeves said it was a sad fact that as at 31 December 2008, more than 200 children and young people in the Jimboomba area could not live safely at home because one or both of their parents abused or neglected them.
“Thanks to our community partners such as Spiritus TRACC, 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.”
For the year ending 31 December 2008, there were more than 320 child abuse and neglect investigations in the Jimboomba area.
“Protecting our children is an enormous responsibility. That’s why we are investing another record $638 million in child protection in 2009-10.
“Despite the global financial crisis, the Bligh Government is committed to maintaining our essential child protection services.”
The Spiritus TRACC funds will help create and sustain 7.8 full-time-equivalent jobs.
Media contact: Minister Reeves’ office 3235 9236.
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