The Bligh Government has committed more than $11.4 million over three years to help keep North Queensland children and young people safe.
Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves said the funds would go to five local non-government organisations to provide counselling services, foster carer support and safe places to live for abused and neglected North Queensland children and young people.
“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 they need to work through.
“The support and care they receive from foster carers, youth workers and other professionals in care help these young people begin to rebuild their lives, and possibly even return home to their own families if it’s safe.”
All five organisations work with families and children across the north, from the Burdekin north to Ingham and west to around Hughenden.
“Churches of Christ Queensland Pathways will receive more than $5.6 million to recruit, train and support foster carers, run a group home in Townsville for up to six young people to live with youth workers, and provide safe places to live for another seven older teenagers preparing for independent adulthood,” he said.
“More than $2.1 million will go to Anglicare to run a home in Townsville for up to four young males aged 12 to 17 years.
“Centacare Townsville and ACT for Kids will provide counselling for abused and neglected children and young people and their families with funds totalling more than $2.1 million.
“Townsville and Aboriginal and Islander Health Services (TAIHS) will receive more than $1.53 million over three years to help recruit, train and support foster carers.
“Based on the current work of these organisations, the government will continue to fund and work with these organisations to provide safe and supportive places for these vulnerable children and young people,” he said.
Mr Reeves said it was a sad fact that as at 31 December 2008, about 470 children and young people in the north could not live safely at home because one or both of their parents abused or neglected them.
"However, thanks to our community partners, 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.
“The Bligh Government’s record $638 million investment in child protection in 2009-10gives these young people another chance to build a brighter future.
“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 41 full-time-equivalent jobs.
Media contact: Minister Reeves’ office 3235 9236.
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