Published Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 at 01:30 PM
Minister for Child Safety
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Cairns foster carers recognised for excellence
A Cairns couple have been recognised at a state-wide awards ceremony for making a real difference to the foster children in their care.
Child Safety Minister Desley Boyle today presented Foster Care Excellence Awards to Cairns’ David Hohneck and Kim Currie at a ceremony at Parliament House as part of Foster and Kinship Care Week celebrations.
“Over the past year, these carers have provided a safe and stable home for the two children in their care,” Ms Boyle said.
“These children have special needs and require intensive care.
“The carers have gone out of their way to make them feel at home and to ensure they have everything they need.”
Mr Hohneck and Ms Currie were also commended for working with others to support the children, including their natural families, the Department of Child Safety and the foster agency.
They are among seven foster families – one from each of the Department of Child Safety’s zones – who were selected for special recognition.
Ms Boyle said there were more than 500 children in care in the Far North and about 280 foster carers.
“Foster carers in the Far North do a terrific job, but there is no doubt that we need more of them,” she said.
“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.
Foster and Kinship Care Week runs from March 11-18.
Ends
Note: Mr Hohneck and Ms Currie are available for media interviews.
Media contact: 3224 7477
13 March 2007
Child Safety Minister Desley Boyle today presented Foster Care Excellence Awards to Cairns’ David Hohneck and Kim Currie at a ceremony at Parliament House as part of Foster and Kinship Care Week celebrations.
“Over the past year, these carers have provided a safe and stable home for the two children in their care,” Ms Boyle said.
“These children have special needs and require intensive care.
“The carers have gone out of their way to make them feel at home and to ensure they have everything they need.”
Mr Hohneck and Ms Currie were also commended for working with others to support the children, including their natural families, the Department of Child Safety and the foster agency.
They are among seven foster families – one from each of the Department of Child Safety’s zones – who were selected for special recognition.
Ms Boyle said there were more than 500 children in care in the Far North and about 280 foster carers.
“Foster carers in the Far North do a terrific job, but there is no doubt that we need more of them,” she said.
“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.
Foster and Kinship Care Week runs from March 11-18.
Ends
Note: Mr Hohneck and Ms Currie are available for media interviews.
Media contact: 3224 7477
13 March 2007