Child Safety Minister listens to the voices of children in care

Minister for Child Safety Margaret Keech is examining ways to further improve the child protection system, after listening to the opinion of the most important people in the process - the children.

Mrs Keech met today with CREATE, an independent organisation which represents the interests of children and young people in care.

“CREATE are a very dedicated group of people that assist our department in liaising with children in the statutory child protection system, to ensure we provide them with the best care possible.” says Minister Keech

The non-government organisation received triennial funding of $492,641 in 2007-08.

“Children can often feel a little intimidated to voice their concerns directly to the department.” she said.

“CREATE provides another avenue for their voices to be heard, and their representatives are included in departmental reference groups and working parties.”

“In this way we can ensure that everyone is included in the on-going improvements to the child protection system.”

Mrs Keech met with CREATE Acting CEO Jacqui Reed and Regional Co-ordinator Trudy Johnson today to discuss the needs of children in care.

“Our meeting today was extremely beneficial, I was able to hear first hand any difficulties the children are experiencing and I value this feedback immensely,” said Mrs Keech

Minister Keech also met with CREATE Community Facilitators - Sarah Lord, Lauren Buckley and Mel Haynes, along with a young person ‘Kellie’ who has completed the Be:Heard project.

“Be:Heard is an amazing project that directly seeks the views of the children in care,” said Mrs Keech.

“Be:Heard listens to what the children have to say, so I can hear what they have to say.”

“It was wonderful to meet the people involved with Be:Heard and to hear first hand how the project is working.”

Issues discussed included:

• Identifying Transition From Care as an area in which the Department needs improved work practices.

• Identifying a need for greater participation of children and young people in the planning of their lives.

“This vital feedback is from the children in care themselves and I thank CREATE for their time and effort in making sure Queensland children receive the best care possible,” said Mrs Keech.

“My department’s already established a State wide working group to develop a program to improve our transition from care practices and CREATE is a member of this group.

“I also understand the need for children to be further involved in the planning of their lives and we will utilise the experience of experienced leaders in the field, from both the Department and the non-government sector to find ways to address this issue.

“The continual improvement of the child protection system is crucial to the future of our young people, and my Department is open to all ideas and organisations to ensure this becomes a reality.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Matt Hyde 3235 9236