Published Sunday, 11 March, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Minister for Child Safety
The Honourable Desley Boyle
New hotline to support Queensland’s foster carers
Queensland’s foster carers will be able to access after hours support and advice through a new Foster Carer Hotline, Child Safety Minister Desley Boyle announced today.
On the first day of Foster and Kinship Care Week today, Ms Boyle said she had approved $200,000 to establish the new hotline for Queensland’s more than 2900 foster carers.
“We all face challenges raising our children and for foster carers it can be even more complicated,” Ms Boyle said.
“Children in foster care may behave differently because of the abuse they’ve suffered or they may have medical problems that carers need help understanding.
“During business hours foster carers can call their local Child Safety Service Centre for help.
“But problems can happen anytime, not just 9 to 5, and there has been a definite need for foster carers to have an after hours number to call.
The hotline number - 1300 550 877 - will be operational within weeks and will be staffed from 7am-11.30pm on weekends and from 5pm-11.30pm on weekdays.
“For the cost of a local call from anywhere in Queensland, foster carers will be able to access support and advice.
Ms Boyle said the hotline will be answered by experienced Child Safety Officers.
“Carers will be able to reach someone who understands what they’re going through and can give them practical advice and parenting tips.
“Hotline staff will also be able to tell foster carers what support agencies are available in their local area that they may find helpful.”
Ms Boyle said she was pleased to be able to launch the new hotline during Foster and Kinship Care Week.
“Foster and kinship carers do a wonderful job, taking children into their homes and their families.
“Carers tell me it is such a rewarding experience, nonetheless, I know that it is not always smooth sailing. Right across Queensland we should all recognise the great work that foster carers do.”
Ms Boyle encouraged more Queenslanders to consider becoming a foster carer. She said carers received an allowance to help cover the costs of raising children in their care.
“We have just increased the allowance for foster carers by up to $107 a fortnight,” she said.
The fortnightly allowances are: children up to one year $370.61; children 2-5 $370.61; children 6-10 $399.26; children 11-15 $434.02 and children 16 and over $434.02.
To become a foster carer, phone 1300 550 877.
Foster and Kinship Care Week runs from March 11-18 and celebrations recognising foster carers are being held right across Queensland.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 7477
11 March 2007
On the first day of Foster and Kinship Care Week today, Ms Boyle said she had approved $200,000 to establish the new hotline for Queensland’s more than 2900 foster carers.
“We all face challenges raising our children and for foster carers it can be even more complicated,” Ms Boyle said.
“Children in foster care may behave differently because of the abuse they’ve suffered or they may have medical problems that carers need help understanding.
“During business hours foster carers can call their local Child Safety Service Centre for help.
“But problems can happen anytime, not just 9 to 5, and there has been a definite need for foster carers to have an after hours number to call.
The hotline number - 1300 550 877 - will be operational within weeks and will be staffed from 7am-11.30pm on weekends and from 5pm-11.30pm on weekdays.
“For the cost of a local call from anywhere in Queensland, foster carers will be able to access support and advice.
Ms Boyle said the hotline will be answered by experienced Child Safety Officers.
“Carers will be able to reach someone who understands what they’re going through and can give them practical advice and parenting tips.
“Hotline staff will also be able to tell foster carers what support agencies are available in their local area that they may find helpful.”
Ms Boyle said she was pleased to be able to launch the new hotline during Foster and Kinship Care Week.
“Foster and kinship carers do a wonderful job, taking children into their homes and their families.
“Carers tell me it is such a rewarding experience, nonetheless, I know that it is not always smooth sailing. Right across Queensland we should all recognise the great work that foster carers do.”
Ms Boyle encouraged more Queenslanders to consider becoming a foster carer. She said carers received an allowance to help cover the costs of raising children in their care.
“We have just increased the allowance for foster carers by up to $107 a fortnight,” she said.
The fortnightly allowances are: children up to one year $370.61; children 2-5 $370.61; children 6-10 $399.26; children 11-15 $434.02 and children 16 and over $434.02.
To become a foster carer, phone 1300 550 877.
Foster and Kinship Care Week runs from March 11-18 and celebrations recognising foster carers are being held right across Queensland.
Ends
Media contact: 3224 7477
11 March 2007