For one week in March, Queenslanders have the chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the state’s 4100 foster and kinship carers for their selfless and invaluable work all year round.
Queensland carers open their hearts and homes to more than 7000 children who cannot live at home because of abuse or neglect.
This year’s Foster and Kinship Carer Week 6-12 March will be marked by a range of diverse events across the state. The Department of Communities provides a total of $40,000 in small grants to support many of these events.
A calendar highlight is the 2011 annual Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards on Friday 11 March.
The awards acknowledge the dedication of carers like Natalie and Paul Upshall, recognised last year for their extraordinary work as carers.
The Sunshine Coast couple provided a supportive and loving home for 11 children over three and a half years, including a young boy who had suffered several years of abuse before being nurtured and taken under their wing.
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