Supporting parents and keeping families together will continue to be the number one focus of the Queensland Government’s child safety budget in 2011-12.
Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves said today’s State Budget also provided more funds for early intervention strategies and ways to keep Indigenous children safe in their own communities.
“We recognise the best place for children to be is with their own families, as long as it is safe,” he said.
“The Queensland Government’s first step will always be to support families in need and help them protect their children from harm.
“Supporting families early on is a better way of preventing what could become a crisis situation.
“That’s why we have a strong focus on early intervention.”
The State Budget includes $15 million to continue the $55 million Helping out Families initiative in the south-east corner.
Under the initiative, families are assessed and referred for support in dealing with issues including parenting, alcohol abuse and budgeting.
“This funding underlies our belief that it makes good, practical sense to address problems early to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for children and families,” Mr Reeves said.
$9.4 million has been allocated to continue to provide support to around 2,600 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in crisis a year.
Specially-trained staff are working with families in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Logan/Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Wide Bay, Cairns, Torres Strait, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Mount Isa and Townsville.
Mr Reeves said it was concerning that Indigenous families were over-represented in the child protection system.
Partnering with Indigenous communities and the sector is critical to achieving better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
“Trained Indigenous family support staff are working with families, strengthening parenting skills, building on the attachment between children and parents, and using the strengths within the children’s family and support networks,” Mr Reeves said.
“The services also help kids transition back into their own homes with their families.”
To further support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, additional components of a $45 million four-year safe house initiative will come online in 2011-12.
The Budget provides funds for consultation and planning of the final two safe houses on Mornington Island and in the Torres Strait, which are expected to be completed in 2012-13.
These houses will complete a series of 11 and will mean Indigenous children can remain in their communities while their child protection needs are assessed.
Safe houses are already operating in Palm Island, Yarrabah, Kowanyama, Aurukun, Napranum, Pompuraaw, Lockhart River, Bamaga on the Northern Peninsula, and Doomadgee.
Mr Reeves said the safe houses, and their attached family support services, focus on reuniting children and families.
“In each community, we will be acting not only to protect children, but to try to change the circumstances that brought them to the attention of Child Safety in the first place,” he said.
The Budget also contains more than $10.6 million to continue to establish and upgrade houses where older children and teenagers in care can live with youth workers.
“Children and young people who come into care have often suffered abuse or neglect that leaves them with behavioural issues making it difficult for them to live with a foster family,” he said.
“Small group homes provide them with somewhere safe to live and receive the extra support they need.
“This is a Budget that focuses on continuing to deliver quality services and support to help Queensland’s most vulnerable children and young people reach their full potential.”
