Children in out-of-home care to be supported through additional funding in Queensland

The CREATE Foundation will receive more than $60,000 in funding to help them connect with children in out-of-home care and check on them during COVID-19 social isolation. 

During times of crisis, Queensland Minister for Child Safety Di Farmer explained, children living in out-of-home care are especially vulnerable to an increase in depression, anxiety and mental health issues which come with being isolated from family, friends and familiar settings such as school. 

The new service, provided by CREATE, will check in on children and young people and provide them with information, as well as referring them on to further support, if applicable. 

Most importantly, Ms Farmer said, “It will provide a connection to just check in and see how they are going.”

 “CREATE does a wonderful job helping young people and children with a care experience to reach their full potential and this funding will enable them to employ two full-time staff members to provide ‘connection calls’ to Club CREATE members and other children and young people in care in Queensland,” she explained. 

CREATE CEO Jacqui Reed said that with more than 9,000 children and young people in care in Queensland it was important CREATE checked in with kids in care during the next few months to learn more about how they are faring under COVID-19, to chat with them about their wellbeing and support needs and refer them to appropriate services.

The CREATE blog is regularly updated with information about COVID-19, and a new video series has been launched, with a mascot, Gus, who provides information to children and young people about managing during the pandemic. 

Ms Reed said CREATE was thankful for the proactive funding measure from the Queensland Government, and for their decision to support and give focus to the wellbeing of such a vulnerable population. 

To learn more about the work of the CREATE Foundation, please see here.