Protecting children is everyone’s business. That’s the message of this year’s Queensland Child Protection Week 2022 which is taking place from 4 to 10 September 2022.
Minister for Children Leanne Linard MP said child protection was the responsibility of all Queenslanders and urged the community to work together to stop child abuse and neglect and keep kids safe.
“Child Protection Week is an excellent opportunity to remind us that we are all responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in our community. It really does take a village to raise a child,” Ms Linard said.
“It is also a time to shine a spotlight on the incredible work of my department’s child safety officers, as well as our foster and kinship carers, non-government partners and organisations who work every day to keep children safe.
“Thank you for being child safety champions and for supporting and advocating on behalf of vulnerable children and young people.
“Child Protection Week is celebrated across Australia every year and as Queensland’s Minister for Children I am proud to represent the dedicated and committed individuals, organisations and businesses who work in Queensland’s child safety sector.”
Ms Linard congratulated all the winners and nominees of the Queensland Child Protection Week Awards, which were announced at Parliament House last week.
“I am constantly amazed by the commitment and dedication of our child safety sector to protect, support and guide children and young people in difficult times,” she said.
“Every day they work to build stronger and safer families and communities.
“They listen and honour the voices of those with lived experiences to bring about positive change.
“I was thrilled to recently announce the Queensland Government’s commitment to extend support for young people leaving care up to the age of 21.
“I know this will be life-changing for many young people because I’ve heard their stories and their hopes for a better future – this historic reform belongs to them.
“We all want our children, young people, families and communities to be safe and resilient. That’s what this government is striving to achieve, and Child Protection Week is an opportunity to honour this work.”
The 2022–23 State Budget includes a record $2.2 billion for child safety which will fund extra child safety officers and support staff; a range of care options and support for families before they hit crisis point.
