Child and Family Queensland

10/06/2026

Good communication is key to building strong relationships with your child.

Avoiding these common mistakes can make a big difference:
⚠️Not listening actively: Tune in to what your child is saying without interrupting or jumping to conclusions.
⚠️Reacting with anger or frustration: Take a moment to calm down before responding to challenging situations.
⚠️Using negative language: Focus on positive reinforcement instead of criticism or blame.
⚠️Dismissing their feelings: Acknowledge their emotions, even if you don’t fully understand them.
⚠️Overloading with questions: Give your child space to share at their own pace.

Remember, communication is a two-way street. By creating a safe and open environment, you can help your child feel heard, valued, and supported.

For more tips on improving communication with your child, visit https://parentline.com.au/issues/communication-tips-parents.

[Image description: Graphic with a dark blue background titled “5 Communication mistakes to avoid with your kids.” A large stylised number “5” appears on the left. To the right, a list of five points with warning icons reads: “Not listening actively,” “Reacting with anger or frustration,” “Using negative language,” “Dismissing their feelings,” and “Overloading with questions.”]

10/06/2026

Justin is one of Queensland’s incredible foster carers who knows the power of creating a safe, loving and stable home. For Justin, seeing the difference he can make in young lives makes it all worthwhile.

“I chose to foster care because I have the time and love to give to make a change for these kids,” Justin says.

He has these wishes for the children in his care:
🌱 That they grow to be all that they can be and achieve their heart's desires.
🫶 That at every point in their lives, no matter what, they will always know that they are loved, and no problem will ever seem too big to handle.

This week, we honour carers like Justin, whose kindness and commitment change lives every day.

You can read more about a day in the life of Justin and other foster and kinship carers here ➡️ www.qld.gov.au/fosterkinshipcarerweek

[Image description: Graphic with a blue background and the heading “Thank you Justin.” Below the text is a photo of a young man seated at a table indoors. There is a fish tank in the background and coloured pencils and paper on the table. The man is wearing a sleeveless orange shirt. Along the bottom of the graphic are illustrated faces of children and a house icon with a heart, underneath is the text “Authorised by the Queensland Government, Brisbane.”

08/06/2026

School refusal is more than just skipping a day – it’s a serious issue affecting children and families. Understanding the signs and knowing how to support kids through this can make a big difference.

Check out this post on helpful strategies to address school refusal and support your child’s wellbeing. 💛

[Image description: A young female student in a navy school uniform stands in the foreground with her hands covering her face, while two other students in similar uniforms stand blurred in the background whispering to each other in a schoolyard setting.]

What is school refusal? It’s more serious than wanting a day off school. Here’s how to spot the signs, plus strategies to help children with school refusal.

08/06/2026

❤️ It’s Foster and Kinship Carer Week! ❤️

Meet Sandra, one of Queensland’s remarkable foster carers who says that the knowledge of there being kids out there who need a home and stability and love was the drawcard for her.

Sandra’s days are filled with everyday activities like helping with homework and school drop off as well as love, laughter and the joy of making a difference.

“My entire world is so much richer for this experience. I will forever be grateful we decided to follow this path. We have loved many kids, seen many families strengthened, and witnessed so much strength in the children,” she says.

This week, we celebrate carers like Sandra, who open their hearts and homes to children in need. Whether it’s a warm meal, a listening ear, or a safe place to grow, foster and kinship carers change lives every single day.

Thank you 🫶 for everything you do! 💛

Celebrate Foster and Kinship Carer Week (6-13 June). Check out more stories from our featured carers ➡️ www.qld.gov.au/fosterkinshipcarerweek

[Image description: Graphic with a blue background and the heading “Thank you Sandra.” Below the text is a photo of a woman outdoors in a backyard setting with a wooden fence and greenery, in the background. The woman is wearing a maroon short-sleeve top and hoop earrings. Along the bottom of the graphic are illustrated faces of children and a house icon with a heart, underneath is the text “Authorised by the Queensland Government, Brisbane.”

05/06/2026

Today's the day, it's QLD Day!

Every 6 June we celebrate QLD Day and mark the moment Queensland stood on its own, and separated from New South Wales.

This year, we’re celebrating everything that makes our state great and we want you to be part of it! There are plenty of ways to celebrate QLD Day your way 👇

🏉 Mega Round: Four epic clashes across NRL, AFL, netball, and racing.
🎨 Schools Program: Wear maroon!
🎶 QLD Day Party: Join the Caxton Street festivities with live music featuring Lee Kernaghan and Kita Alexander, food, and fun before the Broncos vs Titans game.
🏡 Host Your Own QLD Day Party: Fire up the BBQ and celebrate with your community, thanks to IGA.
🌅 Light Up QLD: Watch landmarks across the state shine maroon on 6 June.
🏃 QLD Day parkrun: Wear maroon and join a free 5km at your local parkrun.
📽 QLD Day Film Festival: Celebrate Queensland’s on screen creativity with a statewide showcase of six Queensland-made films in selected Five Star
cinemas.

Let’s come together and celebrate everything that makes Queensland great!

Check out how you can get involved by searching 👉 ‘Queensland Day’ or visit qld.gov.au/qldday

[Image description: Bright orange background with bold yellow and maroon text reading “Celebrate Our State QLD Day 6 June.” A search-style icon says “Queensland Day”. The Delivering for Queensland and Queensland Government logos appear along the bottom.]

05/06/2026

❤️ Foster and Kinship Carer Week 2026 kicks off tomorrow! ❤️
From 6–13 June, we celebrate the incredible foster and kinship carers who open their hearts and homes to support Queensland’s most vulnerable children and young people.

These exceptional individuals make an extraordinary difference, providing love, care and stability — they play a valuable role in our Queensland communities.

To all foster and kinship carers — thank you for everything you do. 🫶

Discover more about the vital role foster and kinship carers play or download a thank you card to share your appreciation ➡️ www.qld.gov.au/fosterkinshipcarerweek

[Image description: this is a two frame GIF. The first frame has a blue background with white text that reads ‘Foster and Kinship Carer Week with the date 6–13 June 2026 in blue text on a white rectangle.’ The second frame is a stylised illustration of a house with a heart symbol inside it. The house sits within a circle of textured white brushstrokes. Surrounding the house are six illustrated faces of children arranged around the circle. At the bottom of the graphic, white text reads: ‘Foster and kinship carers make an extraordinary difference in the lives of children and young people.’]

03/06/2026

In October 2026, the Australian Government is launching AusAlert, a new national warning system that uses the latest technology to send emergency messages to compatible mobile devices.

It’s a fast and reliable way to help communities like yours be informed and better prepared during local and national emergencies.

It’s just one of the many ways the Australian Government and state and territory emergency services organisations are helping to keep Australians safer.

To learn more, visit: https://www.AusAlert.gov.au/alerts-explained

[Image description: [Image description: Promotional graphic introducing AusAlert, featuring Australian Government and AusAlert logos and a smartphone displaying a critical AusAlert notification on a blue screen.].

03/06/2026

Holding your newborn safely is an important part of caring for them. Always support their head and neck, especially during the first 6–8 weeks when their neck muscles are still developing.

When picking up your baby, slide one hand under their head and the other under their bottom, then bring them close to your chest. Try different holds to see what your baby prefers, such as the cradle hold, shoulder hold, or belly hold for tummy comfort.

Remember, never hold hot drinks or cook while holding your baby.

Watch this video for step-by-step guidance! https://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/fathers/getting-involved/how-to-hold-baby-dads.

[Image description: Illustration of two adults gently holding a swaddled newborn baby on the left side of a light blue background. On the right side, large white text reads “How to hold your newborn,” accompanied by a play button icon.]

02/06/2026

You don’t need to have foster care all figured out.

The journey to become foster carers is clear and guided, there are flexible care options and services to support your family every step of the way.

Children and young people in care just need you.

Learn more about becoming foster carers by visiting www.qld.gov.au/fostercare.

[Image description: in front of a home, a family of four greets a young boy being led in by a smiling worker, holding his hand. The mother in the family kneels down, smiling at the boy.]