Celebrations kick off across the state for Foster and Kinship Carer Week

The dedication of foster and kinship carers is being recognised this week as Queensland celebrates Foster and Kinship Carer Week.

Child Safety Minister Tracy Davis praised the outstanding work of the state’s foster and kinship carers at the week’s launch in Brisbane today.

“There are currently more than 4,400 foster and kinship carers in Queensland who are committed to providing safe and caring homes to more than 8,000 children and young people in care,” Ms Davis said.

“These dedicated people find room in their homes and hearts to care for children and young people who need a safe, loving and stable home.

“They are everyday people who do extraordinary work in keeping children and young people safe from harm.”

Ms Davis and Assistant Minister for Child Safety Tarnya Smith also unveiled a new look for foster carer recruitment at the launch.

The Queensland Government’s “Is there room?” message will be used at a grassroots level by service providers across the state to encourage people from all walks of life and all types of family groups and backgrounds to consider becoming a foster carer.

Ms Davis said there was an ongoing need for more foster carers across Queensland.

“While our existing foster carers do a magnificent job, there is no doubt we need more of them,” she said.

“Carers are not only needed for providing long-term care — we are also looking for people who could provide emergency, respite or short-term care.

“Being a foster carer can be such a rich and rewarding experience and most of the foster carers I meet say they appreciate how important it is to help kids who need a safe home.”

The Newman Government has provided $40,000 for the 2013 Foster and Kinship Carer Week, which runs from Sunday 3 to Saturday 9 March, to support local events and activities across the state. Information on events can be found at www.communities.qld.gov.au/childsafety

For more information on becoming a foster carer, contact the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services on 1300 550 877 or visit www.qld.gov.au/fosterachild

[ENDS] 3 March 2013

Media Contact: Sarah Gullo 0417 172 480