Queensland foster care pilot spends $1.7 million on three carers

The Queensland Professional Foster Care Pilot Program has spent $1.741 million to employ only three professional foster carers in its first five months. The initiative, announced in April, aims to recruit up to 100 full-time carers to support children with complex needs and reduce reliance on residential care homes.

Child Safety Minister Amanda Camm confirmed in parliamentary documents that the expenditure was used to establish and operationalize three services. The program is being delivered by Uniting Care and Key Assets Australia in Brisbane, and Life Without Barriers in Townsville. The government has pledged $27 million over four years for the initiative, which was originally an election promise.