The Bligh Government has committed more than $2 million over three years to help abused and neglected children and young people on Brisbane’s southside.
Child Safety Minister and State Member for Mansfield Phil Reeves today announced funds for Queensland Baptist Care’s Southside Education Centre and the Aboriginal and Islander Community Health Service to counsel and provide safe homes for abused and neglected children and young people in care.
“Children and young people in care have often suffered severe abuse or neglect,” he said.
“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 the Southside Education Centre helps these young people begin to rebuild their lives, and possibly even return home to their own families if it’s safe.
“When children and young people can’t live safely at home, its organisations like the Aboriginal and Islander Community Health Service that recruit, train and support the foster carers who will give them some where safe to live.“
Mr Reeves said it was a sad fact that as at 31 December 2008, more than 620 children and young people on Brisbane’s southside area could not live safely at home because one or both of their parents abused or neglected them.
“However, thanks to our community partners such as Queensland Baptist Care and the Aboriginal and Islander Health Service, 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 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.”
He said the funds would also support more than nine new jobs for Queenslanders.
Media contact: Minister Reeves’ office 3235 9236.
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