$1.8 million boost for children’s respite services

by | Nov 30, 2011 | Media Releases

[singlepic id=403 w=320 h=240 float=left] The State Government will invest an extra $1.8 million a year to provide more respite services for Queensland children with a disability.

Disability Services Minister Curtis Pitt said 16 organisations across Queensland would share in the funding, which will benefit up to 500 children aged 0-12 throughout the State.

“This is a significant expansion of respite services for young Queenslanders,” Mr Pitt said.

“It will give families access to short-term breaks which support them in their caring role, while their children get a chance to enjoy a positive experience outside the family home.

“Activities might include vacation care, sports days, sibling groups, overnight camps and weekends away – these services make a real difference to children’s quality of life.

“This is all about early intervention and putting the supports in place children need to get the best start in life.”

Mr Pitt said the organisations receiving funding are:

  • Uniting Community Care (Annerley) $272,840
  • Autism Queensland (Sunnybank) $47,045
  • YMCA Bundaberg $70,000
  • Cerebral Palsy League of Qld (Rockhampton) $71,000
  • Fraser Coast Family Networks (Maryborough) $121,232
  • Innisfail District Flexi Respite Association Inc $29,646
  • ARC Disability Services (Cairns) $78,384
  • FSG Australia (Southport) $144,222
  • Ability Care Ltd (Hillcrest) $169,449
  • Centacare (Broadbeach) $39,200
  • Centacare (Townsville) $105,546
  • Ingham Parent Support Group Inc $58,300
  • Alara Association Inc (Ipswich) $149,534
  • Alara Association Inc (Laidley) $14,903
  • Granite Belt Support Services (Stanthorpe) $104,681
  • Sunshine Coast Link Family Scheme Inc $324,018

Mr Pitt said the State Government’s Building bright futures action plan for children with a disability has a strong focus on early intervention.

“The early years of a child’s life have a significant impact on his or her future health, development, learning and wellbeing,” Mr Pitt said.

“Our action plan for children focuses on early intervention and putting the supports in place children need to get the best start in life.

“That’s what this extra respite funding is all about, and it will make a real difference to children’s quality of life and their families.”