Published Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 at 01:30 PM
Minister for Child Safety
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Queensland foster carers recognised for excellence
Foster families are being praised for making a real difference to the lives of Queensland children.
Child Safety Minister Desley Boyle today presented Foster Care Excellence Awards to seven foster families at a ceremony at Parliament House as part of Foster and Kinship Care Week celebrations.
“We’ve got about 2900 foster carers in Queensland and they are so important,” Ms Boyle said.
“They take into their own homes children who have been neglected or abused and all the complications that come with that.
“Their generosity, patience, commitment and love makes a very real difference to thousands of Queensland children each year.”
Ms Boyle said seven foster families – one from each of the Department of Child Safety’s zones – had been selected for special recognition.
They are:
• David Hohneck and Kim Currie from Cairns
• Tony and Jodie Baird from Townsville
• Arthur and Lynette Plummer from Bundaberg
• Charles and Joan Morrison from Strathpine
• Adelene Ryan from the Gold Coast
• Doug and Kathy Prior from Beaudesert
• Yanto and Wendy Hall from Roma
“One family stood out for having fostered 100 children over 10 years and another looks after five foster children and then takes on more children for short periods to give other carers a break,” Ms Boyle said.
“Some are caring for children with disabilities and others are providing homes for teenagers – which any parent knows can be challenging at the best of times.”
For the first time, a Foster Care Excellence Award was also presented to a non-government organisation - Project Love and Care - run by Anne George and Jean Thomas from Inala.
Ms Boyle said there were more than 6800 children in care in Queensland and more foster carers were needed.
“A special after-hours phone helpline is being established so foster carers can get advice and support after Child Safety Service Centres have shut for the day,” she said.
“We have also increased fortnightly allowances to help cover the costs of caring for children and these range from $370-$434, depending on the age of the child.”
People interested in learning more about what is involved in becoming a foster carer can call the Department of Child Safety on 1300 550 877 or visit the department’s website: www.childsafety.qld.gov.au.
Ends
Note: Foster carers may be available for media interviews.
Media contact: 3224 7477
13 March 2007
Child Safety Minister Desley Boyle today presented Foster Care Excellence Awards to seven foster families at a ceremony at Parliament House as part of Foster and Kinship Care Week celebrations.
“We’ve got about 2900 foster carers in Queensland and they are so important,” Ms Boyle said.
“They take into their own homes children who have been neglected or abused and all the complications that come with that.
“Their generosity, patience, commitment and love makes a very real difference to thousands of Queensland children each year.”
Ms Boyle said seven foster families – one from each of the Department of Child Safety’s zones – had been selected for special recognition.
They are:
• David Hohneck and Kim Currie from Cairns
• Tony and Jodie Baird from Townsville
• Arthur and Lynette Plummer from Bundaberg
• Charles and Joan Morrison from Strathpine
• Adelene Ryan from the Gold Coast
• Doug and Kathy Prior from Beaudesert
• Yanto and Wendy Hall from Roma
“One family stood out for having fostered 100 children over 10 years and another looks after five foster children and then takes on more children for short periods to give other carers a break,” Ms Boyle said.
“Some are caring for children with disabilities and others are providing homes for teenagers – which any parent knows can be challenging at the best of times.”
For the first time, a Foster Care Excellence Award was also presented to a non-government organisation - Project Love and Care - run by Anne George and Jean Thomas from Inala.
Ms Boyle said there were more than 6800 children in care in Queensland and more foster carers were needed.
“A special after-hours phone helpline is being established so foster carers can get advice and support after Child Safety Service Centres have shut for the day,” she said.
“We have also increased fortnightly allowances to help cover the costs of caring for children and these range from $370-$434, depending on the age of the child.”
People interested in learning more about what is involved in becoming a foster carer can call the Department of Child Safety on 1300 550 877 or visit the department’s website: www.childsafety.qld.gov.au.
Ends
Note: Foster carers may be available for media interviews.
Media contact: 3224 7477
13 March 2007