Bligh Government has committed more than $930,000 over the next three years to help abused and neglected children and young people on the Gold Coast.
Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves today announced three-year funding packages to Lifeline Gold and Churches of Christ Pathways to counsel children and their families.
Lifeline will receive more than $256,000 and Churches of Christ Pathways almost $675,000.
“This funding will enable Lifeline Gold Coast to provide sexual abuse counselling to children and young people in care and their non-offending family members and carers,” Mr Reeves said.
“The funding for Churches of Christ Pathways will enable it to provide counselling and therapeutic assistance for families, children and young people referred by the Department of Communities.
Mr Reeves said it was a sad fact that as at 31 December 2008, more than 500 children and young people in the Gold Coast region 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 Lifeline and Churches of Christ Pathways, children and young people who have been abused are receiving the counselling and support they need and have 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.”
These funds for Lifeline and Churches of Christ Pathways will help create and sustain 3.1 full-time-equivalent jobs for Queenslanders.
Media contact: Minister Reeves’ office 3235 9236.
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