Published Tuesday, 13 March, 2007 at 01:30 PM
Minister for Child Safety
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Gold Coast foster carer recognised for excellence
A Gold Coast foster carer who has cared for more than 85 children has been recognised at a state-wide awards ceremony.
Child Safety Minister Desley Boyle today presented a Foster Care Excellence Award to Carrara’s Adelene Ryan at a ceremony at Parliament House as part of Foster and Kinship Care Week celebrations.
“Ms Ryan is an outstanding carer, who has looked after 85 children in her 20 years as a foster carer,” Ms Boyle said.
“She is particularly good at looking after teenagers – which can be challenging at the best of times.”
Ms Ryan is 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 1200 children in care in the Brisbane South and Gold Coast zone and about 530 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 a Foster Care Excellence Award to Carrara’s Adelene Ryan at a ceremony at Parliament House as part of Foster and Kinship Care Week celebrations.
“Ms Ryan is an outstanding carer, who has looked after 85 children in her 20 years as a foster carer,” Ms Boyle said.
“She is particularly good at looking after teenagers – which can be challenging at the best of times.”
Ms Ryan is 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 1200 children in care in the Brisbane South and Gold Coast zone and about 530 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