New online app connects foster and kinship carers with important information

A new app that connects Queensland foster and kinship carers with important information about children in their care is being launched as part of Queensland’s Child Protection Week.

Carer Connect was developed after feedback from foster carers, who said placements often happened quickly and initially with only minimal information about the child’s medical or educational history or other details that could help them to provide the best care.

Child Safety Minister Di Farmer said the new app would help foster and kinship carers access important information such as medical records, birth certificates and other legal papers in an efficient and convenient way.

“This year marks Queensland’s 32nd Child Protection Week and it is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and help raise awareness of child safety,” Ms Farmer said.

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping Queensland children safe, and there are activities under way to promote the role you can play right across the state.”

Ms Farmer said the launch of the Carer Connect app would better support the foster and kinship carers who are the backbone of the child protection system.

“This new app will allow foster and kinship carers to view information and documentation for children in their care, and view their personal and household information on record,” she said.

“One of the functions that I’m particularly excited about is the ability to upload pictures of a carer’s home and family which can be shown to children before they come into their care.

“This means children will have some familiarity before they move into a new family and it will make the transition smoother and easier for both the child and the carer.”

Ms Farmer said across Queensland there were more than 5200 foster and kinship carers who were some of the most dedicated and committed people in the state, helping to support out most vulnerable children.

The new app has been developed following discussions with foster and kinship carers.

“Our Partners in Care workshops in partnership with Foster Care Queensland provided a unique opportunity to explore how we can better support children in out-of-home care as well as those who care for them,” she said.

Rollout of the Carer Connect app will start at the end of September.

Child Protection Week runs from September 2 to September 8. For further details visit https://childprotectionweek.org.au/.

ENDS

Media Contact:                      Ron Goodman            0427 781 920