Double celebration for Anglicare in FNQ

Child Safety Minister Desley Boyle has answered an SOS from Anglicare and has stepped in with funding to help give stability for boys in care.

Ms Boyle has approved a grant of $193, 420 to help Anglicare’s St Luke’s House buy a permanent home.

The Trinity Beach residence will house up to four boys aged 10–17 in the care of the Child Safety Department.

Ms Boyle said there was more good news for Anglicare: it has passed the department’s new licensing requirements for its premises that look after children in care in Cairns and Townsville.

“The five premises, including St Luke’s House, are among the first in the State to pass new requirements which set minimum standards to protect children.

“Today, I’m delighted to personally hand over the five licences to Anglicare and congratulate them on leading the way.

“I’m also delighted to hand over the keys to the new residence for St Luke’s House. It solves a problem brought about in part by the toughness of the Cairns rental market.

“Rents are going up and it’s hard to obtain a long term lease.

“Because of these rental pressures St Luke’s House was feeling the heat. Their lease was about to run out and they were finding it hard to locate another residence to rent. They were facing a worst case scenario of having to move into a motel.

“On top of that was the added stress that this was about the sixth move for St Luke’s House since it’s inception in 2001.

“St Luke’s looks after teenage boys with significant social and emotional needs. Many are on long-term child protection orders and have been through multiple placement breakdowns.

“These kids have already had enough disruptions. They desperately need a sense of stability and security if they are to start the healing process. That’s what this permanent new home will provide,” Ms Boyle said.

Anglicare North Queensland Acting Chief Executive Rocco Fammartino thanked the Minister for helping secure the permanent residence.

“It’s a huge step forward to have our own place and know we can provide a more stable and reliable environment, conducive to positive outcomes for the young men in the community.

“This is really going to assist the boys. They’ve been helping with some minor renovations like painting and gardening so already they have a real sense of belonging.

“Until now stability and security has been sadly lacking from their lives. With a permanent home we can set up the right space to assist the young men realise their full potential,” Mr Fammartino said.

Ms Boyle said: “The dedicated staff at St Luke’s House focus on managing the boys’ well being and providing them with the necessary life skills to transition into less intensive care options or to live independently.

“The department highly values Anglicare NQ’s efforts and commitment towards supporting Queensland’s children and young people in care.

“The grant is an example of the department’s ongoing partnership with

non-government organisations and service providers who are essential in the delivery of child protection services throughout the state.

“I look forward to the continuing work with all of our community partners throughout the coming year to further improve and strengthen Queensland’s child protection system.

“In 2007-08 more than half of the department’s $551.3 million budget will continue to support our community partners in providing essential services such as Anglicare’s St Luke’s House,” Ms Boyle said.

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