Bligh Govt protects local child abuse victims

Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech will be to listening to Mackay locals and finding out how to better protect the region’s most precious resource – its children.

As part of Community Cabinet, Mrs Keech will meet with a large group of child safety stakeholders, at a child protection stakeholder breakfast today.

"The Bligh Government is planning for and managing growth and by listening to those on the ground delivering child safety services I can make sure we meet Mackay’s needs," Mrs Keech said.

"By bringing government partners, foster and kinship carer representatives and child safety staff together, we can improve relationships, hear what is needed and then further improve our services."

Mrs Keech also announced approval of more than $2.1 million over the next three years to help protect Mackay and Whitsunday children and young people from child abuse.

Churches of Christ Care will receive around $700,000 per annum to continue to provide therapeutic counselling support to children and young people who have experienced abuse and neglect.

"The triennial funding will also allow Churches of Christ Care to provide practical advice to struggling families and respite for local foster carers.

"Our community partners and our foster and kinship carers help us provide brighter futures for abused and neglected children.

"With these funds, Churches of Christ Care will work with parents who genuinely want to do a better job and who have acknowledged they need guidance and better skills to care for their children.

"This is all about providing practical, common-sense assistance to parents by helping them develop skills that relieve stress, family conflict and anxiety - from anger management to family budgeting, preparing healthy meals, establishing routines and setting clear guidelines in the home."

Mrs Keech said Churches of Christ Care would also provide respite carers to give fulltime foster carers a break.

"The Bligh Government is committed to improving services for vulnerable families. A key to doing this is to listen to the stakeholders of Mackay and hear their needs."

For information on becoming a foster or kinship carer, phone the Department of Child Safety on 1300 550 877 or visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media Contact: Matthew Hyde 3235 9236