Roma embraces Child Protection Week

The Bligh Government is supporting Roma residents in putting child protection first.

Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech said Roma had embraced Child Protection Week’s theme of “Children See, Children Do …Make Your Influence Positive”.

CPW officially starts on Father’s Day (Sunday, September 7) and runs until Saturday, September 13.

“The Roma community has planned community activities for children, parents and foster and kinship carers and it is wonderful to see such support for Child Protection Week,” Mrs Keech said.

“During the week we are promoting the fact that child protection is everyone’s responsibility. We are asking people to ensure their community is child-friendly.

“The Department of Child Safety does not know about abuse or neglect or neglect unless we are told.

“Child Protection Week gives us the chance to remind people to be vigilant and report any suspicions. “

One of the features of Roma’s Child Protection Week activities is a Picnic in the Park, organised by the Western Indigenous Children’s Agency. The picnic will be held at The Big Rig, Roma, on Friday, September 12, between 9am and 3pm.

Activities for children and adults, designed to encourage positive relationships, will include arts and crafts, face-painting, storytelling, play dough and games. All food is provided.

“I encourage everyone to get behind Child Protection Week,” Mrs Keech said.

“This year’s theme also asks parents and adults to remember that children are watching and learning from their actions so they need to ensure they set the right example.

“It’s a sad fact that we have about 7,000 children and young people in out-of-home care in Queensland and the number is rising. Many of these children are traumatised.

“Experts say children can recover if they have one adult in their life who is unconditionally positive towards them.

“Every Queensland child should have at least one adult who is regularly in their life, who is genuinely pleased to see them, who believes them to be good and capable with a great life ahead.

“Often this is where our wonderful band of foster and kinship carers step in and help turn an abused child’s life around.

“But we need the whole community to set this example.”

The Bligh Government has provided $85,000 to community groups fund Child Protection Week activities across Queensland.

“I congratulate those who have been awarded grants for the job they are doing to raise awareness and participation in Child Protection Week,” Mrs Keech said.

“I also acknowledge the special work done by community groups to promote positive parenting and provide child protection services.”

For more details on Child Protection Week, visit www.cpwonline.org

Mrs Keech will be in Roma next week for the Rural Women’s Symposium and to officially open the new Roma Child Safety Service Centre on Thursday, September 4, at 95 Arthur Street, at 11.30am.

“I am looking forward to the visit, not only to attend the symposium but also so I can personally thank the hard- working Department of Child Safety staff who are protecting Roma’s at risk children,” she said.

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Media contact: Matthew Hyde 3235 9236