Published Thursday, 09 October, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Toowoomba Child Safety Officer awarded for dedication to foster carers
Toowoomba Child Safety Officer Kim Godfrey has been recognised for his dedication to the protection of Queensland’s children and the support of their foster carers.
Mr Godfrey was one of only five winners across the state to receive a Working in Partnership Award at the recent 2008 Annual Queensland Foster Care Conference.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said he was delighted to see the region’s Child Safety Service Centre winning awards.
“For Mr Godfrey to win this award shows the residents of Toowoomba are seeing a real improvement in their services and I congratulate and thank him for such a wonderful effort,” Mr Shine said.
“Child safety officers deserve to be treated like true community heroes who should be applauded and acknowledged alongside police officers, fire fighters, doctors and ambulance officers.
“Every day they are out there on the frontline working closely with children and families and supporting foster carers to protect children from abuse and neglect.
“I’m proud to see our community partners acknowledging them for that,” he said.
Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech said the award was a perfect example of the commitment regularly demonstrated by individual workers in the Department of Child Safety.
“The work Mr Godfrey does helping children who have been abused or neglected is vital but he couldn’t do it without also forging a strong partnership with local foster carers,” Mrs Keech said.
“The Bligh Government’s Toward Q2 strategy has recognised the importance of these partnerships.
“Toward Q2 is our commitment to partner with local communities and people to shape
the future of child protection because we know this is vital to building stronger, safer, more caring communities.
“Mr Godfrey has already embraced these principles and deserves to be recognised for the difference he makes to the lives of children by supporting their carers.
“Child safety officers have one of the toughest jobs in government and they know that foster carers are the backbone of successful outcomes for children in need.”
Any one interested in becoming a child safety officer should contact the Department of Child Safety on 1800 089 515 or recruitmentteamhrb@childsafety.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Chris Taylor 0419 710 874
Mr Godfrey was one of only five winners across the state to receive a Working in Partnership Award at the recent 2008 Annual Queensland Foster Care Conference.
Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said he was delighted to see the region’s Child Safety Service Centre winning awards.
“For Mr Godfrey to win this award shows the residents of Toowoomba are seeing a real improvement in their services and I congratulate and thank him for such a wonderful effort,” Mr Shine said.
“Child safety officers deserve to be treated like true community heroes who should be applauded and acknowledged alongside police officers, fire fighters, doctors and ambulance officers.
“Every day they are out there on the frontline working closely with children and families and supporting foster carers to protect children from abuse and neglect.
“I’m proud to see our community partners acknowledging them for that,” he said.
Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech said the award was a perfect example of the commitment regularly demonstrated by individual workers in the Department of Child Safety.
“The work Mr Godfrey does helping children who have been abused or neglected is vital but he couldn’t do it without also forging a strong partnership with local foster carers,” Mrs Keech said.
“The Bligh Government’s Toward Q2 strategy has recognised the importance of these partnerships.
“Toward Q2 is our commitment to partner with local communities and people to shape
the future of child protection because we know this is vital to building stronger, safer, more caring communities.
“Mr Godfrey has already embraced these principles and deserves to be recognised for the difference he makes to the lives of children by supporting their carers.
“Child safety officers have one of the toughest jobs in government and they know that foster carers are the backbone of successful outcomes for children in need.”
Any one interested in becoming a child safety officer should contact the Department of Child Safety on 1800 089 515 or recruitmentteamhrb@childsafety.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Chris Taylor 0419 710 874