Real carers really needed: Member for Townsville launches Drive for 25

Member for Townsville, Mike Reynolds is urgently seeking 25 foster families to care for vulnerable children and young people who are unable to live at home because of abuse or neglect.

Mr Reynolds will today launch his Drive for 25 campaign in a bid to personally recruit 25 foster or kinship carers for Townsville.

Mr Reynolds said the call for carers was part of Queensland’s most extensive foster and kinship carer recruitment campaign, which started on Mothers Day.

Mr Reynolds said the Bligh Government had committed more than $15 million over five years to recruit, train and increase support for carers.

The money will go towards streamlining the approval process, reducing red tape and improving support networks and services for carers.

It will also fund a three-month campaign of television, radio, web, newspaper and magazine advertising, along with ads on national Indigenous radio and television targeting Indigenous carers for Indigenous children.

“It’s a sad fact that there are currently around 625 children and young people in the Northern Zone who are unable to live with their families because one or both of their parents abuse or neglect them,” he said.

“Child safety is everyone’s responsibility, there are young children in Townsville who simply do not have a parent who is willing or able to protect them so I ask --- do you have room in your home and heart for a young person in need?

“We desperately need more families willing to provide these children and young people with safe and loving homes.

“Please seriously consider becoming a foster or kinship carer.”

Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech said foster carers were everyday people who made an extraordinary difference in the lives of children and young people who have suffered abuse or neglect.

“Carers can come from all walks of life, be young or old, and live in the city or the bush,” she said.

“However they all have one thing in common – a steadfast commitment to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.”

Mrs Keech said individuals, couples and families were needed to care for children and young people across the state.

“We need more people to care for babies, children, adolescents, sibling groups and children with challenging behaviours,” she said.

“We also need more support carers – people who provide essential support to approved foster carers when they need a break from caring, time to deal with personal matters, or recover from illness.

“Even one weekend a month would be a big help.”

There are currently more than 260 foster and kinship carers in Northern Zone.

Mr Reynolds said Townsville foster carers were genuine community heroes.

“Foster and kinship carers save our children, they give them a safe place to live but just as importantly show them the love and care every child deserves,” Mr Reynolds said.

“I want to recruit 25 caring, compassionate people who are able to provide homes, love and support to vulnerable Queensland children – and become a true community hero.”

The foster and kinship carer campaign aims to recruit an additional 500 carers throughout the state.

For more information on becoming a foster or kinship carer, call 1300 550 877 or visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au or (insert own details).

ENDS

Media Contact: Alec McConnell 0407 547 236