The Bligh Government has committed more than $800,000 over the next year to provide safe places to live for abused and neglected children and young people in Roma.
Child Safety Minister Sport Phil Reeves today announced that Spiritus TRACC would recruit, train and support foster and kinship carers to provide safe and loving homes for more than 60 local children and young people.
“Among those carers will be specialists who will care for children with complex to extreme needs, such as medical issues, disabilities, or challenging and sometimes violent behaviour,” Mr Reeves said.
The funds to Spiritus will also cover therapeutic support for the children and young people and any psychiatric counselling or specialist medical attention they need, he said.
“Based on Spiritus TRACC’s record over the past three years, the government will continue to fund and work with these organisations 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, about 60 children and young people in Roma 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.
“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 funds for Spiritus TRACC will help create and sustain about four fulltime-equivalent jobs.
Media contact: Minister Reeves’ office 3235 9236.
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