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

4 Mar 2013 12:00 AMMichael Hart

 

 

“There are currently more than 4400 foster and kinship carers in Queensland who are providing safe and caring homes to more than 8000 children and young people in care,” Mr Hart said.

 

“Carers are everyday people from all walks of life who find room in their homes and hearts to give children and young people a safe home.

 

“They make a difference in the lives of local kids and they deserve our thanks.”

 

Child Safety Minister Tracy Davis and Assistant Minister for Child Safety Tarnya Smith unveiled a new look for foster carer recruitment at the launch of Foster and Kinship Carers Week on Sunday.

 

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] 4 March 2013