The Bligh Government has committed more than $1.06 million over three years to help children and young people in Brisbane’s northern suburbs to overcome the trauma of abuse and neglect.
Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport Phil Reeves today announced funding to Lifeline Community Care to counsel northside children in care.
“This funding will enable Lifeline Community Care to providing counselling, including therapeutic assistance, to children and young people referred by the Department of Communities,” he said.
Mr Reeves said it was a sad fact that as at 31 December last year more than 510 children and young people in this northern Brisbane corridor from Fortitude Valley to Alderley, Chermside and Pine Rivers could not live at home because at least one or both of their parents abused or neglected them.
“With this funding Lifeline Community Care can reach out to more child abuse victims in Brisbane’s northern suburbs to give them a brighter future,” he said.
“Children and young people in care have often suffered severe abuse or neglect.
“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 such as Lifeline Community Care help these young people begin to rebuild their lives, and possibly even return home to their families.”
“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 efforts and the commitment of all child protection partners also go a long way to building a fairer Queensland and achieving the goals of the Bligh Government’s strategy Toward Q2 – Tomorrow’s Queensland through creating more caring, connected communities.”
Media contact: Minister Reeves’ office 3235 9236.
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