Real carers really needed: MPs band together in Drive for 150

Northside MPs have joined forces in an attempt to recruit 150 urgently needed new foster and kinship carers as part of the Bligh Government’s $15 million foster carer recruitment campaign.

Leading the charge is Member for Aspley Bonny Barry, who has rounded up her northside colleagues Lillian van Litsenburg, Vicky Darling, Neil Roberts, Stirling Hinchcliffe and Linda Lavarch to launch a Drive for 25 in their electorates of Redcliffe, Sandgate, Nudgee, Stafford, and Kurwongbah.

“We are pooling our resources to publicise this very worthwhile campaign and hopefully recruit at least 150 new foster carers,” Ms Barry said.

“We know more than 664 people from the northern region have already put up their hands to be carers since the campaign started on Mother’s Day.

“That’s why we’re hosting a family fun day today (July 5) to thank all of those people who have already registered their interest to become carers and hopefully encourage even more people to lend a hand to Queensland’s vulnerable children and young people.

“The goal for the entire campaign is 500 new carers.

“We’re hoping to use our numbers to recruit around a third of those carers – it would be great to see northside residents take up this challenge.

“By attracting more foster and kinship carers we are protecting Queensland’s at-risk children and there are few more important causes than that.”

The Bligh Government has 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.

Ms Barry said it was a sad fact that around 7000 Queensland children and young people were unable to live with their families because one or both of their parents abused or neglected them.

“These are children whose parents can’t or won’t provide a safe, nurturing home for them,” she said.

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

“That’s why we’re asking the generous people in our electorates whether they have room in their hearts and homes for a young person in need?

“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.”

Ms Barry said 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,” she said.

“We want to recruit 150 caring, compassionate people who want to become true community heroes by providing homes, love and support to vulnerable Queensland children.”

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).

Media contact: Jo Whitaker 0400 841 523