FEDERAL MP Warren Entsch, a long-time advocate for foster carer services, has backed a state government campaign to recruit new foster and kinship carers in Leichhardt.
Recently launched by the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, the “Is there room in your life to foster a child?” campaign is aimed at recruiting new families, couples and individuals to help care for the thousands of vulnerable children across the state.
“In Far North Queensland alone there are over 900 children on child protection orders,” Mr Entsch said.
“All these vulnerable young people need is a safe and supportive home environment, something many of us take for granted every day.
“If any of you have the capacity to open your hearts, and your homes, to these children then I believe it’s something worth thinking about.”
Warren was guest speaker at the Foster Carers’ Week event in Cairns.
Currently there are just over 460 foster and kinship carers listed in the Far North with the demand growing every day. As the guest speaker at the Cairns Foster and Kinship Carers’ Week event in February, Mr Entsch heard first-hand from volunteers about the challenges and rewards of being a foster carer.
“Becoming a foster carer is not a decision to be taken lightly, it is a very important one that will affect your life and the lives of those around you,” Mr Entsch said.
“But helping a child re-connect with their community and watching them experience life within a loving family is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do.
“The role foster and kinship carers play in our society is just as, if not more important, than any other.”
To find out more about the “Is there room in your life to foster a child” campaign visit www.qld.gov.au/fosterachild or phone the Foster Carer Recruitment Line on 1300 550 877.
The ARC Beats perform at the Foster Carers Week event in Cairns.
