The Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs says a record number of children in care are living with kinship carers.
“Close to half are now placed with family,” the Department said in a statement.
“The number of carers is also increasing, with 6,042 carer families providing safe homes for children in care.”
The Department said the latest Child Safety Data showed Queenslanders continuing to step up to care for vulnerable children.
“Family complexities, compounded by COVID-19, cost-of-living pressures, housing shortages, domestic and family violence and illicit drug use, have sadly seen the number of children in care increase to 11,527, a 2.4 per cent rise compared to the previous year,” the statement said.
“We recorded 32,994 notifications requiring investigation and/or assessment in the year ending 31 December 2022, an 8.6 per cent rise compared to the year before.”
Minister for Children, Leanne Linard said her Department was working with and walking alongside families and parents so children and young people could grow up safe and supported.
“I am thankful for the incredible support of foster and kinship carers who continue to step up every day to care for children when they are unable to safely live at home,” Ms Linard said.
“Child safety officers also play a very important role in supporting families and children to overcome hardships and change their futures for the better.”
She said the Government would continue to devote resources to strengthen the child protection system and support families, children and young people in their times of need.
“We remain focused on increasing the number of children cared for by kin, reducing the number of children in residential care, and ensuring all First Nations children can have services delivered by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation,” the Minister said.
“Child safety is everyone’s business, and everyone can help.”
