Foster carers reveal reality
A MEETING with some of Townsville’s foster carers has given departmental heavy weights an insight into the issues plaguing the region.
But some upset carers say they weren’t invited to attend and those with the opportunity were cherrypicked by their agencies.
Children’s Minister Leanne Linard and director general Deidre Mulkerin, joined by Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper, met with about 14 foster carers on Friday to discuss a range of topics to mark Foster and Kinship Carer Week.
Ms Linard said the conversations were honest and admitted more work needed to be done.
“A system always has to evolve,” Ms Linard said. “I don’t believe that you ever arrive and feel the work is done. And you have to be open and willing to hear those things.”
The Townsville Bulletin first started uncovering the severe internal issues within the foster care system in February, speaking with advocates, car
ers, parents, doctors, psychiatrists and paediatricians about their shocking interactions with the department, and how it needed to change.
After more than a month of coverage and horrific stories, Ms Linard flew to Townsville in March to speak with people about the issues.
It was then she announced a small set of changes to better communicate with carers, provide more training for staff and a complaints hotline.
When asked what was next to address the issues heard in Townsville, two months after her last public visit, Ms Linard did not offer up any plans, but to keep listening to carers.
“It’s about waiting and allowing the process that’s been set up … to take its course, because it’s about hearing their voices,” she said. “I’m not going to move to do anything until they tell me.”
On March 26, the Queensland Family and Child Commission visited Townsville to also speak to frontline workers, and launched an investigation. Ms Linard said she was working closely with them, and did not see the need for a full inquiry.
“There’s been a significant amount of improvement that’s happened already. (An inquiry is) not what we need. We just need to keep doing the things that we know need to be improved,’’ she said.
One of the carers at the meeting, Cathy Clun, said she felt listened to by the minister.
“People were really honest, and they listened, they know change needs to be made,” Ms Clun said. “It was good to see so many people from the department come and be keen to talk. We’re not going to resolve every individual carer’s issues, but there are things we can do now to alleviate some of the concerns and worries of the carers.”