The Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs has launched a campaign urging Queenslanders to consider becoming foster carers, helping to support the State’s most vulnerable children.
Minister for Children, Leanne Linard said the campaign showcased carers from different walks of life, including people who were single, married or in de-facto relationships, and with or without their own biological children.
“I am so proud of the work of our foster and kinship carers,” Ms Linard said.
“Our response to children in need simply would not be possible without them,” she said.
“That’s why we have allocated more than $300 million to support foster and kinship care services, intensive foster care services and provide carer allowances.”
Foster carers, Sandra and Rick (pictured) from Jimboomba feature in the campaign saying after 15 years of marriage and with two children of their own, they had decided to find out about becoming foster carers.
“Just the knowledge of there being kids out there who need a home and stability and love was the drawcard for me,” Sandra said.
Having grown up with a foster sibling, Sandra was familiar with the idea of a non-traditional family structure, so it felt natural for her to step into the role of second-generation foster carer.
Ms Linard said Queensland needed more people like Sandra and Rick to become carers, and the campaign was an opportunity to reach out to those considering it.
“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased need for foster carers and I’m pleased that Queenslanders are meeting this need,” she said.
To speak to someone about foster care, Queensland Foster and Kinship Care can be found on 1300 550 877.
