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Version: 4.1

SCM-PR-012: Chaplaincy Services in Queensland State Schools

This procedure identifies accountabilities and processes for principals of state schools, who, in consultation with local communities and with the support of the Parents and Citizens' Association, implement chaplaincy services as a community initiative. This includes processes for developing and implementing a school's chaplaincy program and accompanying documentation including the process for appointing a paid or volunteer chaplain to deliver a program of chaplaincy services.

Relevant legislation and policy

Legislation and/or regulations Related procedures

Statement of intent

A chaplaincy program is an optional service introduced into a state school to provide students, staff and parents with support which may have a religious and/or spiritual component. Chaplaincy services provide an additional adult role model in schools.

Whilst personally modeling and owning their own faith positions or belief, chaplains avoid any implications that any one religion, denomination or other set of beliefs is advantageous or superior to any other denomination, religion or belief.

A school's chaplaincy program complements other support services in the school such as those offered by the Guidance Officer or Youth Support Coordinator. A chaplaincy service is not a counselling service.

Chaplains do not refer to external agencies. Chaplains report issues of concern to the principal and the principal is responsible for external referral processes.

This policy position applies to all chaplaincy services in state schools, regardless of whether they are paid or voluntary and, if paid, regardless of source of funding. Local community support is required for the introduction of a chaplaincy program to a school.

Chaplains can be paid or voluntary. If a paid chaplain is providing the chaplaincy program, they must be engaged by an Accredited Employing Authority (AEA) that has been accredited by the Department of Education and Training.

Applications to become an AEA of chaplains Adobe PDF document 111k are received and processed by the Advisory Committee for Employing Authorities (ACEA) of chaplains, with final approval to accredit given by the Executive Director - Student Services Branch (for local employing authorities) and by the Minister (for statewide employing authorities).

Note: School funds provided by the Queensland government for educational purposes cannot be used for chaplaincy services.

Chaplaincy programs are compatible with policies and practices that apply to delivery of any service in a multi-faith and multicultural state school community. A chaplaincy program is inclusive of and shows respect for all religious and non-religious beliefs and other stances represented in the school community. All activities and events provided within a chaplaincy program are non-discriminatory and equitably available to students of all beliefs who choose to participate.

Religious instruction is not part of a school's chaplaincy program. However, if a paid chaplain works part-time, they may make separate arrangements to teach religious instruction outside of their normal work hours. This also applies to voluntary chaplains.

Responsibilities

Principals: Chaplains: Local Chaplaincy Committees (LCCs): Accredited Employing Authorities (AEAs): Principals' Supervisors:

Forms

Guidelines

Other relevant documents

Contacts

For information on chaplaincy services in Queensland State schools, please email Student Services.

Document information

Approval record: 10/73443 Doc. Ref. 11/73134
Date of implementation: 2010-06-29
Date of publication: 2011-04-12
Date to be reviewed: 2012-06-09
This procedure replaces:
Uncontrolled copy. Please refer to Education Policy and Procedure Register at http://iwww.qed.qld.gov.au/strategic/eppr/ for latest version.
Uncontrolled copy. Please refer to Education Policy and Procedure Register at http://education.qld.gov.au/strategic/eppr/ for latest version.

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