The Liberal Government recognises and supports the vital role of foster and kinship carers who step in to care for Tasmanian children and young people who cannot live at home.
Today I was very pleased to officially open the National Foster and Kinship Care Conference which is being held in Hobart this week.
With a theme of “together, we can only get better”, the conference was an opportunity for the Government to pass on our thanks and appreciation to foster and kinship carers, not only here in Tasmania but across the country, for the selfless role they play in providing care for children and young people in need.
The conference was also an opportunity for us to pay tribute to one of our foster carers who died in tragic circumstances last Friday.
Kennerley Children’s Homes and the Foster Carers Association of Tasmania have worked tirelessly together to ensure the conference is a great success for delegates from as far afield as the Northern Territory and New Zealand.
Tasmania is privileged to host carers, service providers, child protection workers, educators, community organisations and the best key note speakers and master class presenters from right around Australia. The contribution made by each of them to the lives of children and young people who cannot live at home is invaluable.
The Liberal Government recognises that foster and kinship carers need appropriate support systems and programs to improve outcomes for children and young people in their care.
Strengthened support for carers is a component of the Out of Home Care reform program currently underway. The establishment of an Out of Home Care Operations and Carer Support unit will focus on the development of more robust carer recruitment, assessment, review, registration and de-registration, training, professional development, support and carer concern processes.
Respite care arrangements will also be strengthened to support caregivers and children who are in care.
The Liberal Government will continue to work to ensure children and young people requiring Out of Home Care, and their carers, have the best support possible.
Our children and young people deserve nothing less.
Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Human Services
