National school chaplaincy program discussion paper 2011

The National School Chaplaincy Program aims to support school communities that wish to access the services of a school chaplain or secular pastoral care worker. In August 2010, the Australian Government announced that a total of $222 million would be provided to extend the National School Chaplaincy Program to December 2014 and to fund up to 1,000 additional schools.  The additional funding will focus on schools in disadvantaged, rural and remote communities. No applications for funding are being accepted at this time. Further information will be provided in early 2011. The Government has also been conducting a national consultation process this year. The consultation has involved a range of stakeholders including state education departments, major service providers, representatives of independent and faith-based school systems and peak representative bodies for parent and community organisations, principals and other relevant interest groups. Interested members of the public also have the opportunity to be involved in this process (see National Consultation Process). The national consultation process is considering the achievements and effectiveness of the National School Chaplaincy Program, its relationship with other student support activities, and canvassing stakeholder views in relation to future chaplaincy and pastoral care services. A number of issues are being examined including: Achievements of the program Relationship with other student support activities What is/ is not working well Current and future needs Potential target group(s)/ priority areas Possible future program options Funding model/ mechanisms and funding requirements The national consultation process will include two stages: Stage One – Stakeholder Meetings Stage Two – Public Discussion Paper The first stage of the national consultation process involved meetings with key stakeholders around Australia. A Discussion Paper has been developed on the basis of perspectives and issues raised in the stakeholder meetings. The Discussion Paper provides an overview of the information provided and proposes options for the future. The period for written submissions closed on 18 March 2011.   Background The National School Chaplaincy Program aims to support school communities that wish to access the services of a school chaplain or secular pastoral care worker. The National School Chaplaincy Program is a voluntary program that assists school communities to support the wellbeing of their students, including strengthening values, providing greater pastoral care and enhancing engagement with the broader community. A total of $165 million is available for this program. It provides annual support of up to $20 000 for government and non-government school communities that have established school chaplains or further enhanced services already being provided. Chaplains/pastoral care workers provide general personal and religious advice, comfort and support to all students and staff, regardless of their religious denomination, irrespective of their religious beliefs. The choice of chaplaincy services, including the religious affiliation, was a decision for the local school community, following broad consultation. Students are not obliged to participate. Parents and students will be informed about the availability and non-compulsory nature of the chaplaincy services. &nbsp