Celebrating Queensland’s Foster and Kinship Carers

Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech today encouraged Queenslanders to support Foster and Kinship Carer Week, beginning 8 March.

Mrs Keech said all across Queensland carers will be celebrated for their efforts in protecting children in need.

“The Bligh Government’s Toward Q2 strategy is creating a fairer Queensland by supporting Foster and Kinship Carer Week,” Mrs Keech said.

“The week raises community awareness into the important role foster and kinship carers play in society.

“It is a sad fact around 7,000 Queensland children cannot live at home because of abuse or neglect.

“Queensland’s 3,700 carer families work in partnership with my Department and non-government agencies to protect these vulnerable children.

“I congratulate Queensland carers for opening their hearts and homes to local at risk children.

“The Government has provided $37,421 for community groups to celebrate the commitment our foster and kinship carers are making to children in need.”

Mrs Keech said these funds are part of the Bligh Government’s record 2008-09 child protection budget of $586.6 million.

“Labor is supporting Queensland’s at risk children and carers,” she said.

“Last year the Bligh Government launched a $15 million foster and kinship carer recruitment campaign.

“To date the campaign has recruited more than 150 new carers and is on target to reach our goal of 500 new carers.

“We always need more foster and kinship carers and I urge Queenslanders to consider opening their homes to help us provide brighter futures for abused and neglected children.”

For more information on events being held to celebrate Foster and Kinship Carer Week, or becoming a foster carer, contact the Department of Child Safety on 1300 550 877 or visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Nadine Eckert: (Minister’s Office) 3235 9236