APC welcomes school chaplaincy program changes
The Australian Parents Council has commended the changes to the school chaplaincy program announced on 7 September 2011 by the Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth.
"Today's announcements by Mr Garrett will go a long way towards ensuring the sustainability of what has proved to be a very popular and worthwhile program," said the executive director of the Australian Parents Council, Mr Ian Dalton.
"APC has been a strong supporter of the chaplaincy program, however we recognise that the changes announced today are responding to feedback provided during what was quite a thorough and extensive consultation process. Fortunately, the changes don't go to the point of changing the essential character of the program.
"We are particularly heartened by the fact the Minister has not been tempted to over-professionalise the program. Many young people who have been helped by the chaplaincy program have responded to the more personal approach that chaplains can bring to their role than, say, a psychologist, social worker or guidance officer. The stipulated minimum training requirements for chaplains and youth workers are aimed at what we consider to be an appropriate level.
"APC also welcomes the Minister's announcement that there will be a priority for funding additional places in schools serving remote, regional and disadvantaged areas. It is often the schools serving those areas that find it most difficult to provide this type of assistance to their students.
"The value of the school chaplaincy program has been well proven. We trust that the changes announced today will make it an even stronger, more accessible and long-lived program for those who need it most," Mr Dalton concluded.
ENDS
Read the Minister's media release here
