With a review of the National School Chaplaincy Program (NSCP) well underway, and a High Court challenge to the federal funding of the program soon to take place, there was some good news for chaplaincy this week with strong support coming from the Education Minister, Peter Garrett.
ABC featured the NSCP on its Hungry Beast program, with Mr Garrett restating the government’s commitment to school chaplains, saying, “You can’t get better evidence than that more and more schools want this program, and that’s what’s happening”. He also said:
“The feedback that we get from principals is that this program is one which they welcome. It is a program where there’s significant demand for the services that chaplains are providing. And on that basis we’re really excited about the possibility for its expansion.”
The report also featured clips of Prime Minister Julia Gillard outlining her support to the ACL’s Jim Wallace is an interview recorded prior to the last federal election, and of her predecessor Kevin Rudd announcing an earlier expansion of the program at the 2009 ACL National Conference.
The support of the chaplaincy program from the government is a testament to its success, but it does have its detractors, some of whom were interviewed for the Hungry Beast report. A psychologist explained that more support services for required professional.
Tim Mander, CEO Scripture Union Queensland, the country’s largest chaplaincy provider agreed, saying: “We believe there should be more psychologists in schools. We want as much care for our kids as possible, but we don’t think it should be at the detriment of school chaplaincy.”
Angelo Gavrielatos, Federal President of the Australian Education, however, called the NSCP a “wasted opportunity”, claiming that the government was clearly trying to please ‘the religious lobby’ with its support for chaplaincy, and failing to see its benefits for school communities.
The report also repeated the claim that chaplains are ‘non-qualified’. This misconception about chaplaincy and more like it are featured on SU Queensland’s ‘Support School Chaplains’ website, which is an excellent source of information in the lead up to the High Court challenge.
What i would be interested to know is why the tax payers are paying for these chaplins to mentor our children when the Support School Chaplains website states:
“It is important to note that School Chaplains cannot provide services for which they are not qualified, such as counselling services or psychological assessment.”
Why is the money being spent on Chaplains rather than putting a person who IS trained in areas such as counselling services or psychological assessments rather than having someone with very basic training referring them to an external provider. Money is better spent scrapping this program and putting qualified people at schools to help our children.
Let’s face it no government is going to stump up the big bucks to put professionally qualified counsellors and psychologists in all schools. And don’t forget that local churches voluntarily contribute funds to top up the government funded hours that chaplains work.
in response to JB….
kids don’t talk to qualified professionals without referral. they just don’t. they talk to the chaplain who is hanging out at the footy goals or helping them with homework. this cannot be overstated. chaplains provide the bridge between the kid’s world and the professional world. That is the genius of the program. The training provided for chaplains is very effective in building relationships, referral and community support and this is exactly what the schools are asking for more and more.
Yes we do need more psychologists and counsellors but not at the expense of chaplains who do so much ground work to connect kids with professional services when required.
Secondly, and the overwhelming support from schools for chaplaincy back this up, the great need for hundreds of thousands of young people in our schools is for a caring adult in their world and vicinity who is present – simply being there as a caring adult is half the job. And it is making a huge difference.
chappies are real life savers in our schools, I hope their numbers will mulitiply!!
I don’t think there should be a choice between counsellors and chappies forced. It’s not an either-or situation. And while I realise that the High Court Challenge is part of a wider anti-chaplaincy campaign, we must be sure that we are acting legally and constitutionally. The funding for chaplaincy must be legal. It doesn’t matter how beneficial chaplaincy is if the funding is unconstitutional.
What would the money used for financing chaplains have funded instead? The minimum ratio of psychologists to students in Western Australia is 1:2000. This is totally inadequate. The money should be spent where it will return the best outcome, and chaplains are not it.
While I find the notion that only religious (read christian) people are capable or worthy of having this type of role in schools I am also against the idea of secular equivalents to chaplains. While I’m sure most if not all are lovely people the need is for people who have proven knowledge and abilities ie: qualifications. In addition to this the requirement that chaplains be religious unless no religious chaplain can be found is clear evidence of government preferencing people of religious faith over others.
The lack of oversight occurring with chaplaincy, the counselling on issues such as suicidal thoughts and sexual identity and the use of gender stereotyping programs such as “Shine” are deeply troubling. No applications for round one chaplaincy funding were refused on first application. This makes it evident that applications were not being checked to ensure they complied with guidelines. Even if all conditions were met first time (highly improbable) it is not feasable that no errors were made, given the number of applications.
On top of this the extension of funding for NSCP _before_ the review of the program was completed and after a scathing report by the NT Ombudsman is indicative of appallingly poor practice. What cost benefit analysis has been done? Was a cost benefit analysis done before the scheme was introduced? Would students be better off if this money was spent in other ways? What oversights are required? How should these be implemented? As an Australian citizen I expect our government to spend our money where it provides needed services for the best price. Resources are limited and we want the best return from their allocation.
Lastly, while the notion that religious groups, 98%+ christian in this instance, are using government policy to promote their ideology the sword cuts both ways. The two major parties are using peoples religious faith to promote themselves to power. Given we have seen this in the US, and the disastrous effect it has had on religion and state there I am at a loss trying to understand why anyone of faith sees this as a positive step. Money and political power corrupt – and the church will be no exception.
“Together for Humanity” http://togetherforhumanity.org.au/ a milti-faith based orgaisation have a far better program for promoting diversity and acceptance of differences – backed up with evidence – at a reasonable cost. http://togetherforhumanity.org.au/resources/Final_Report_8-Jan-2009.pdf
I have a family member who works in mental health – The key to overcoming mental healths is early intervention, you can’t get any earlier than school.
Get rid of Chaplins and you might save some money (now), but over time the Government will need to put more into the health system than what they are saving now. You will also reduce resources, possibly effecting other health departments and costing lives.
You want to risk a system that is working (and partly funded by Churches) – to gain what? Lose Chaplins from schools and we all end up losing! Everyone’s taxes would increase to cover the increased health costs, it’s 2011 and there is currently not enough funds going into mental health let alone general health – what will this look like in 5 years?
If it’s about freedom of choice – you don’t have to speak with a Chaplin. I don’t like some TV shows, so I turn them off! Do I try to shut down the whole station – that would be selfish; we all have different tastes, it’s a part of our makeup.
Chaplains aren’t hurting anyone!
Separation of church and state!
It is unconstitutional for the federal government to be funding and encouraging chaplains, of any religion, in public schools.
When people from other progressive, democratic countries hear of this program, the usual response is “What? You’ve got to be joking??”
Peter Garrett had more credibility as a singer.
Of course the thousands of school principles and the school communities they represent who are shouting from the rooftops their praise of NSCP should count for something. The truth is… this program WORKS! One of the reasons is the Chappies work for peanuts, so we can employ so many more of them. It is not a “job” to them. They love the work and love the people they work for. You could not get the coverage of care with professionals for the same price! The other reason it works is because the simple act of “being there” for the kids cannot be underrated. Most kids just need someone to talk to, before problems become serious. Of course Chaplains can sound a warning if they notice a child who needs professional help. This is important as kids don’t seek the help of professionals by themselves…but they will go and talk to a Chaplain!
I would imagine that kids would be in a better frame of mind if the schools they attend were in a better state – don’t need a chaplain for that … just some funds and a couple of builders.
Time for the Churches to start paying taxes, the revenue raised from that could pay for professional phsychologists to be in the schools for the kids.
Why do school principals want more chaplains in schools? The reason they help teachers with the escalating social problems that so many young people have to deal with on a daily basis. These problems of low self esteem, parents who are divorced, substnce abuse in the home, parents who have no time for their kids because of work pressures etc, etc. I am involved in the health industry and i can tell you that one genuinely caring individual is worth more then any amount of psychologists. The mental health of our young people is very important. They need a friend in the the adult world who will not judge them according to the worlds standards. If the government were to put the amount of money they give to the chaplaincy programne towards psychologists in schools there would be very few, because the simple fact is chaplains get very little for the hours they put in and all the extra programs they run. Our high school chaplain spends a lot of his family time at fundraising functions so he can remain doing what he loves. It is not for the money but for the love of young people in our community. The chaplain organises mentoring programes, father and son camps, helps out with sports days. Would a paid psychologist do all these things? My daughter is training to be a chaplain and has worked with young people since leaving school.She lives on next to nothing but the joy she gets from seeing young peoples lives changed for the better cannot be bought. Our chappie is totally funded from the community and the general community whatever their religous views are behind the programe.
There are a number of assumptions within the article and the comments which should not go unchallenged.
Firstly, the popularity and support for the National Schools Chaplaincy Program is irrelevant if the funding is unconstitutional. No matter how much the majority of people may wish a certain program to remain, all Australians must operate within the rules of the country as stipulated in the Constitution. Section 116 makes it clear that no religious test shall be required for a position within the Commonwealth.
Second, I see many people here are claiming Chaplains provide a useful service by “just being there” for kids and can identify potentially serious issues for referral to a qualified professional for further investigation. One wonders what qualifies only religious people to perform these roles. The implication is that those without religious beliefs are unable to talk to children in a non-confrontational way or refer them to professional assistance when required.
Third, there is a fatal dichotomy at the heart of the entire program which introduces potential problems, despite to protestations of the ACL. Why has the Government committed almost half a billion dollars to employ religious people, then tells them they are not allowed to be religious? This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
And lastly, 95% of Chaplains are employed through overtly evangelical organisations which ensure all employees sign “statements of faith” affirming the accuracy and historicity of the Biblical text. These same organisations have publicly stated mission objectives to “bring Jesus into people’s lives”. Asking these individuals to ignore their statements of faith and the mission statement of their employer when in Chaplaincy positions is contradictory and dangerous.
Principals want more chaplains in schools because they help teachers deal with the escalating social problems that young people bring with them from home.Problems of abuse, low self esteem,divorce just to name a few of the social issues young people face today.
I am involved in the health industry and yes we need trained psychologists and counselors but I have found that one genuinely caring individual can make an amazing amount of difference in a young persons life.They need a friend in the adult world who will not judge them according to the worlds standards.
If the government were to put the amount of money they give to school chaplains towards psychologists in schools there would be very few. The fact is chaplains get very little for the hours they put in and all the extra programs they run. Our high school chaplain spends much of his family time at fundraising functions just so he can keep doing what he loves and that is making a difference in young peoples lives. He is funded by the community because the community know how valuable an asset he is.
The chaplain organises mentoring programes, father and son camps,and helps out with sports days even coaching school sports teams. Would a paid psychologist do all these things?
My daughter has been studying and working with young people for nearly four years just so she can become a school chaplain. Its not for the money or she would studied for some other career. She just wants to make a difference in some young persons life.
Chaplains cost how much? Look it up – it’s pretty hard to find though.
But approx $20K p.a for 2 days? so $70K pa then for a full time one?
What does a six to eight year Masters or PhD Psych start on (in our state at least) – $56K.
What kind of hours do they work? – with preparation, case notes, follow up work out of hours and compulsory Professional Learning? At least a 12 hr day and more. Lunch breaks? Toilet breaks? “playing with the students” at Lunchtime?
And yes, our Psychs DO run programs, take groups and participate in the life of the school wherever they can – it’s just they are spread so thinly, and they are dealing with the very pointy end of our distressed kids! They’re often not the kids “having fun” with the Chaplain – or if they are, wouldn’t they be better getting some real help?
And yes – our Psychs are approachable – our Psych has kids lined up outside, approaching him in the corridor – sometimes to say hello, but when they need real help, they know where to go – and it’s not the Chaplain.
Let’s get the funding to provide our kids with people who have the skills and training to help them for real.
You can’t throw out a chaplain just because he is considered ‘under qualified” Teacher’s Aids are not Teachers they are aids, Chaplians are not physcolgists and are not trying to be. They are helpers, aids and emotional supporters to the kids.
If parents were doing their job we would not have so many problems with children.
If the schools want them then what’s the problem?
Hello D. McCarthy
Teacher aides are under the direct supervision of a teacher at all times for that very reason – and they are there to implement the learning tasks set by the teacher – these do not involve talking to young people about their emotional, family and mental health issues!!
There is ample and widespread evidence that Chaplains are evangelising and exceeding the boundaries of their role and competence. This is even evident in their own documentation.
You mention that “Parents need to do their job”.Whatever this means, the idea that the societal and mental health issues of our young people can be fixed by bringing them closer to jesus, or by “having” a “listening ear,” or a “friend” is fundamentally flawed.
I want my children – and yours too – to have access to properly trained professionals with the skills to address the complexities of these issues. We need $440M spent on School Psychologist – imagine what a difference that would make. Especially as $50m of the NSCP money is for “Administration”.
The research tells us that the first point of contact for children with mental health issues is their School Psychologist / School counsellor. there is also ample evidence of the tragedy that can follow when children can’t get access to such a service. The NSW coroner recommended a minimum ratio of one School Psychologist to 500 students in our high schools.
Look at the “evidence” provided by the Chaplaincy programme itself – that they ARE dealing with serious Mental Health issues, and they DON’T tend to refer on. The NT ombudsman’s report was very clear that the activites undertaken WERE counselling which they were not trained for.
Even if the Chaplain refers to other professionals in or out of the school,the evidence shows that this just creates another barrier to a young person getting help.
We need more Psychologists working in schools, so kids can access the help they need more easily!
The fact of the matter still remains that Australia still has the shameful scourge of the highest rate of teen suicide in the WORLD. The ridiculous and contentious bickering I see from people mobilising themselves against the cause of Chaplaincy in our state schools seem to have lost sight of the bigger picture:
Our young people are crying out for help.
Chaplaincy is a part of what should be a community wide response to that cry. Church / State / Trained Psychologists, and Chaplains working for ‘peanuts’ are ALL a part of the emergency response that is required for us to reach, educate, care for and assist the youth of our nation.
To attack a program simply because the people within it are Christian and possess a biblical worldview is evidence of the blindness of secularism, which would rather see children unmanned, unserviced, and un-helped; than any of those things happen from somebody with a bible in their hands.
If the house is on fire, EVERYBODY needs to roll up their sleeves and put it out. This is our social responsibility.
Our rate of teen suicide is our nations unutterable shame, our international disgrace, our ‘house on fire.’
For goodness sake, let’s stop arguing about whether we put the fire out with water from the bathtub, house, hydrant or sink and JUST PUT IT OUT! This is a cause that requires unified action from all, and these unhelpful arguments from those who are anti the church having any role within a secular society or state school are only proving to threaten the response that our youth are crying out for.
Let’s work together… our teenagers are worth putting our political views to one side.
Has Peter Garrett actually read the submissions he’s getting from the Australian Psychological Society, the Australian Education Union, and the Australian Council of State School Organisations. Don’t their opinions count?