Act for Kids has doubled their service footprint in Brisbane North to help save more vulnerable children’s lives.
The keys to the new space at Wooloowin’s Warilda Community Centre were delivered by the Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer.
“Act for Kids has been rebuilding the lives of vulnerable young Queenslanders from the Warilda Centre for 33 years,” Ms Farmer said.
“It’s a great honour to hand-over the keys to unlock space that gives Act for Kids capacity to double services and build better futures for more at-risk children and families. 
“Act for Kids does some extraordinary early intervention work to support traumatised children and their families and keep them out of the Child Safety system.
“Just as drugs and family violence has seen demand for Child Safety assessments rise by 3 per cent on last year, Act for Kids has also noticed an increase and needs extra space.
Sadly, 39% of the children the Department of Child Safety takes into care have one or both parents addicted to Ice; in some regions it’s over 50%.
The number of children in care where mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence are all present in the family situation is more than double the rates of 10 years ago.
“Act for Kids is an incredibly important early intervention service for vulnerable children,” Ms Farmer said.
Member for McConnel and Education Minister Grace Grace said Education Queensland had partnered with Act for Kids in Brisbane and Townsville to give traumatised children skills for school.
“The early intervention service at Act for Kids builds confidence and skills in traumatised children to get them ready and enthusiastic about starting school,” Ms Grace said.
“We know how important it is that kids get off to a flying start when they begin their first school year.”
“By doubling the footprint of Act for Kids we can help prepare more vulnerable children and their families for a lifetime of learning.”
Act for Kids CEO Dr Neil Carrington thanked the Queensland Government for its support.
“When Act for Kids opened in 1988, the Wooloowin precinct was our very first therapy centre, and now, we have more than doubled our physical footprint.”
“This extra space will enable us to tailor new, life-changing programs to support vulnerable children and families in the community who urgently need assistance,” Dr Carrington said.
“Children who have suffered trauma and parents who have vulnerabilities, such as mental health concerns, alcohol and drug issues, and domestic and family violence, require intensive, holistic care and support to get their families back on track.
“In partnership with the Queensland Government, we aim to develop bespoke programs that address parental concerns and support children’s wellbeing and readiness for school.
“These programs include social groups for parents who are struggling, playgroups, school readiness workshops, Circle of Security, and social and emotional regulation programs for both children and adults.”
To learn more about Act for Kids’ services, click here.
A big thank you to all of our supporters who attended the official handover of the Warilda Community Centre to Act for Kids.
We could not do what we do without your support!
Special guests
- Hon Di Farmer MP, Minister for Child Safety, Youth & Women, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic & Family Violence
- Deidre Mulkerin, Director-General, Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women
- Anika Wells MP, Federal Member for Lilley
- Tim Nicholls MP, State Member for Clayfield
- Frank Tracey, Chief Executive of Queensland Children’s Hospital and Health Service
- Chris Erbacher, Principal of Wooloowin State School
- Scott Prince, Brisbane Broncos (Act for Kids Charity Partner)
- Hon Dr David Hamill AM, Act for Kids Chairman and other Board Members in attendance
- Dr Neil Carrington, Act for Kids Chief Executive Officer
- Act for Kids Ambassadors Bruce and Denise Morcombe, Kim Skubris, Lisa Morrison, Andrew Stevenson, Dr David Wood, Paul Zernike and Helen McGrory
