Family support services boosted to keep children safe in Forest Lake and Inala
Published Wednesday, 10 December, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Women
The Honourable Margaret Keech
Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech today announced almost $1 million in funding to help needy parents to provide a safe and stable home for their children.
Mrs Keech said the Department of Child Safety will provide up to $474,000 a year over the next two years to the Inala Community House’s Family Steps Program which supports families in the Forest Lake and Inala areas.
“Parents may be facing significant issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, parenting skills, financial, family issues and domestic violence,” she said.
“The Family Steps Program helps parents develop practical parenting skills through intense support and supervision.
“The program provides families with individualised support that builds on the parent’s personal strengths, skills and confidence and enables them to better understand the needs of their children and provide a safe and stable home life.
“This includes support in meeting the needs of their children, establishing routines in the home, communicating more effectively and managing anger issues.”
Mrs Keech said the Family Steps Program assists a range of families who come into contact with the Department of Child Safety.
“In some cases a child has been removed from their family, in other cases they are still at home but the parents have acknowledged they need a hand,” she said.
“This support can help Queensland families keep their children at home safely, or have their children return home after being in care.
“Family intervention services operates in direct response to referrals from child safety service centre staff throughout Queensland.
“The Family Steps Program work closely with our local Child Safety Officers to provide a collaborative service to those families in need.
“Since starting in November this year, the program is already providing ongoing support services to 17 local families.”
Mrs Keech said the funding was part of the Bligh Government’s commitment to building fairer communities.”
“We are committed to prevention and earlier intervention, and ensuring parents get the support they need to provide safe homes for their children,” she said.
“In 2008-09, the Department of Child Safety is providing more than $12 million to family intervention services throughout the state, rising to $14 million in 2009-10.
“This is a significant investment in Queensland families, and a significant investment in helping create a brighter future for vulnerable children and young people.”
As at 30 June 2008, there were 243 children and young people in the Forest Lake and Inala area who could not live at home because one or both parents had abused or neglected them.
“Thanks to our community partners like Inala Community House and the work they do, families can access the support they need to create a safe and nurturing home for their children,” Mrs Keech said.
Media contact: Minister Keech’s office on 3224 7081.
Mrs Keech said the Department of Child Safety will provide up to $474,000 a year over the next two years to the Inala Community House’s Family Steps Program which supports families in the Forest Lake and Inala areas.
“Parents may be facing significant issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, parenting skills, financial, family issues and domestic violence,” she said.
“The Family Steps Program helps parents develop practical parenting skills through intense support and supervision.
“The program provides families with individualised support that builds on the parent’s personal strengths, skills and confidence and enables them to better understand the needs of their children and provide a safe and stable home life.
“This includes support in meeting the needs of their children, establishing routines in the home, communicating more effectively and managing anger issues.”
Mrs Keech said the Family Steps Program assists a range of families who come into contact with the Department of Child Safety.
“In some cases a child has been removed from their family, in other cases they are still at home but the parents have acknowledged they need a hand,” she said.
“This support can help Queensland families keep their children at home safely, or have their children return home after being in care.
“Family intervention services operates in direct response to referrals from child safety service centre staff throughout Queensland.
“The Family Steps Program work closely with our local Child Safety Officers to provide a collaborative service to those families in need.
“Since starting in November this year, the program is already providing ongoing support services to 17 local families.”
Mrs Keech said the funding was part of the Bligh Government’s commitment to building fairer communities.”
“We are committed to prevention and earlier intervention, and ensuring parents get the support they need to provide safe homes for their children,” she said.
“In 2008-09, the Department of Child Safety is providing more than $12 million to family intervention services throughout the state, rising to $14 million in 2009-10.
“This is a significant investment in Queensland families, and a significant investment in helping create a brighter future for vulnerable children and young people.”
As at 30 June 2008, there were 243 children and young people in the Forest Lake and Inala area who could not live at home because one or both parents had abused or neglected them.
“Thanks to our community partners like Inala Community House and the work they do, families can access the support they need to create a safe and nurturing home for their children,” Mrs Keech said.
Media contact: Minister Keech’s office on 3224 7081.