State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP is encouraging locals to shine the light on foster and kinship carers with nominations now open for the 13th annual Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards.
Mr Ryan said each year the Queensland Government holds a special awards ceremony to celebrate and recognise the unsung heroes of our communities.
“Morayfield is home to many wonderful carers who, day in day out, provide a brighter future for Queensland’s most vulnerable children and young people,” Mr Ryan said.
“Across the state carers create a nurturing family experience for more than 8,000 children who cannot live with their families due to the risk of abuse or neglect.
“With Christmas fast approaching, we’re reminded of the tireless efforts of foster and kinship carers who open up their hearts and homes to children and young people in care.
“Every day, carers are making a difference where it counts, and the awards ceremony is our way to celebrate and recognise their commitment and dedication.”
Mr Ryan said the theme for Foster and Kinship Carer Week and the Awards 2012, Celebrating carers, fostering futures, reflects the importance of carers in promoting change and helping young Queenslanders reach their full potential.
“Our carers are to be congratulated for providing safe and stable homes to help children and young people to overcome the trauma they have experienced and learn how to build positive relationships,” he said.
“That’s why the annual Foster and Kinship Carer Week and the excellence awards program are so important.
“Through these activities, we can raise awareness of the role of carers and acknowledge their outstanding contributions to our child protection system, while also calling on more Queenslanders to consider becoming carers.
“I encourage Queenslanders who know or have met an outstanding carer to nominate them for an award and invite self-nominations from carers.”
Nominations close on Friday 9 December 2011 and winners will be announced during Foster and Kinship Carer Week.
Nomination forms are available at Child Safety Service Centres or at www.communities.qld.gov.au/childsafety
For more information on becoming a foster or kinship carer visit www.foster-afuture.qld.gov.au
