JOIN THE RANKS OF QUEENSLAND'S CHILD PROTECTION HEROES: MINISTER

Are you caring, compassionate, dedicated and love children? Then Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech wants YOU!

The Department of Child Safety is this week advertising for people to join the ranks of passionate workers protecting Queensland’s vulnerable children.

Mrs Keech said the Department was seeking staff throughout the state to work on the groundbreaking One Chance at Childhood project announced earlier this year.

“This important new initiative is designed to help ensure children in care get the best possible start in life,” she said.

“We want to ensure children in care have a stable environment that gives them a sense of permanency.

“That may mean working closely with their parents to ensure they can provide a safe environment for their children on a long-term basis or, if that is not possible, seeking alternative long-term options.

“It’s really important for young people to have a feeling of stability if they are to reach their full potential.

“The Once Chance at Childhood scheme looks at the most effective way of achieving that stability for each child, on a case-by-case basis.

Mrs Keech said the program would initially focus on babies and toddlers in care to reduce the risk of multiple placements for those aged up to four years.

“Specialist staff will be recruited to implement this program and boost the protection of babies and toddlers in the system,” she said.

“These specialists will intervene at three critical stages:

·when babies and toddlers enter the child protection system

·when babies and toddlers are reunified with their parents

·when permanent placements with families must be found for babies and toddlers (where reunification is not possible or appropriate).

“Early Childhood and Reunification Officers will provide specialist support in cases involving the most vulnerable babies and toddlers.

“They will ensure that parents are linked in to the appropriate supports available through other government departments and our non-government partners.

“Early Childhood Officers will also provide assistance to expectant mothers who have come to the department’s attention because there are risks to their unborn baby.

“These officers will work with parents, whose children have been placed in out-of-home care, to provide intensive assistance to meet the protective and care needs of their children.

“If a child cannot be safely returned home, specialist Permanency Planning Officers will be appointed to the case.”

Mrs Keech said she was confident the Once Chance at Childhood program would help give Queensland’s most vulnerable children greater opportunities.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they might be suitable for a role in this exciting new project to get on board,” she said.

“Protecting Queensland’s children is an extremely tough job, but one which brings great rewards.

“I know there are many of you out there who would bring to this job the same dedication, compassion and care I see in the fantastic people already working in this field.

“Come and join us in giving vulnerable children a better start.”

Media contact: Jo Crompton 3224 7477