Ministerial Statement: Foster carers the backbone of Queensland’s child protection system

Foster carers the backbone of Queensland’s child protection system

During my time as Child Safety Minister I have been impressed by the passion and commitment shown by Foster and Kinship carers.

These caring, compassionate people are the backbone of Queensland’s child protection system.

The Department of Child Safety could not do its job without them.

I know the work of foster and kinship carers is often difficult, but brings wonderful rewards.

Because of their dedication and generosity, more than 7000 Queensland children are now in a place where they are loved, cared for and nurtured.

I have seen several recent examples of how the love and support of carers is helping vulnerable Queensland children reach their full potential.

I was recently told of how a child who came from a home in which he was sexually, emotionally and physically abused has grown from a frightened little boy into a competent and confident young man.

After seven years with the same foster family, he’s doing well at school and working towards a trade career. His carers and teachers say he is well behaved, stable, responsible and healthy.

That’s why he’s among a number of students at his school selected to travel overseas on an excursion – as a reward for his good attendance and excellent behaviour.

It’s an opportunity this young man may never have had if not for the kindness and love of his long-term foster family.

Carers give so much to so many Queensland children.

If not for the compassion of one foster family, three sisters sent into care would have been forced to separate.

These generous and loving people had not planned to take on so many foster children, but seeing how important it was for them to remain together, they opened their hearts and their home.

The girls say they would not have grown into the happy, healthy young women they are now without the chance to grow up together in a loving environment.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Queensland’s more than 3000 foster and kinship carers for the hard work they do every day.

Special thanks must also go to those heroic carers who take on the often difficult job of caring for children with disabilities and illness.

Mr Speaker, I applaud these people who give Queensland’s most vulnerable and at-risk children the chance to live happy, healthy, fulfilled lives.

Media contact: Jo Crompton 3224 7477