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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 2 Hansard (29 February) . . Page.. 597 ..

MINISTER FOR CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH SERVICES

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NUMBER 173

Foster Care Program

MS McRAE - asked the Minister for Children's and Youth Services on notice on 29 February 1996:

Can the Minister confirm that Government Foster Care programs in the ACT are about to be totally transferred to community organisations.

MR STEFANIAK - the answer to Ms McRae's question is:

Family Services contracts out 70% of foster care services for children in the ACT. The Government is currently assessing the feasibility of tendering out for the provision of the Family Services foster care program.

This program has approximately 40 places for children in need of care. It is the largest foster care program in the ACT.

The feasibility of tendering out has to be carefully considered because of the importance of maintaining the quality of services provided to this group of disadvantaged children.

Tendering out will only proceed if and when the Government is satisfied that the children will get good care and the foster carers are well supported in this important work.

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