MEDIA STATEMENT: Crisafulli Government committed to supporting foster and kinship carers
- Capacity building to support foster and kinship carers in Mount Isa and the Gulf
- The government has been working alongside Churches of Christ as their service transitions
- Focus will be on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations to support community, kin and family care options.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to building capacity in services across Mount Isa to support foster and kinship carers who care for vulnerable children and young people.
The government has moved to ensure foster and kinship carers are supported, following the decision by Churches of Christ to transition their foster and kinship care services from Mount Isa and the Gulf.
Churches of Christ will continue to maintain foster and kinship care services across Far North Queensland.
The government is committed to assisting the around 60 foster and kinship carers who are currently playing a critical role in the lives of vulnerable children in Mount Isa.
Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm is visiting Mount Isa today to meet with frontline staff and community organisations to hear about their experiences working with children and families.
“I’m acutely aware of how important it is to support foster and kinship carers in the critical role they play in a child’s life,” Minister Camm said.
“Engagement has been underway with a range of service providers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, led by the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak.”
Minister Camm’s trip to Mount Isa follows the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to fund a new $27 million professional foster care pilot program for kids with complex needs and give a $1500 boost to yearly allowances for each child in out-of-home care, for education and extracurricular activities.
Minister Camm said carers would continue to be supported by the Crisafulli government.
“My department has set up an internal team to ensure they are supported while the transition is underway.
“We are committed to supporting them, not only during this transitioning phase, but throughout their journey as foster and kinship carers.”
The Crisafulli Government has also committed to a new independent complaints and escalation process for complex cases to support families and carers.
