Published Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 at 01:30 PM
Minister for Child Safety
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Pine Rivers foster carers recognised for excellence
A Pine Rivers 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 Strathpine’s Joan and Charles Morrison at a ceremony at Parliament House as part of Foster and Kinship Care Week celebrations.
“These carers go above and beyond. As well as looking after five children, they also take on extra children for short periods to give other carers a break.
“They have cared for 58 children since becoming carers in 2002 and it’s not uncommon for them to have more than one child at a time with challenging behaviour or learning difficulties.
“At Christmas, their home is extra full, with young people who used to live with them coming back for a visit.”
Mr and Mrs Morrison 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 1100 children in care in the Brisbane North and Sunshine Coast zone and about 570 foster carers.
“Foster carers 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
Media contact: 3224 7477
13 March 2007
Child Safety Minister Desley Boyle today presented Foster Care Excellence Awards to Strathpine’s Joan and Charles Morrison at a ceremony at Parliament House as part of Foster and Kinship Care Week celebrations.
“These carers go above and beyond. As well as looking after five children, they also take on extra children for short periods to give other carers a break.
“They have cared for 58 children since becoming carers in 2002 and it’s not uncommon for them to have more than one child at a time with challenging behaviour or learning difficulties.
“At Christmas, their home is extra full, with young people who used to live with them coming back for a visit.”
Mr and Mrs Morrison 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 1100 children in care in the Brisbane North and Sunshine Coast zone and about 570 foster carers.
“Foster carers 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
Media contact: 3224 7477
13 March 2007