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Program Extension
The Australian Government will provide an additional $42.8 million to extend the NSCP for all participating schools until December 2011. The extension of the program will ensure that those schools funded under the NSCP will be able to continue to provide valuable support in the provision of student wellbeing services.
During 2010 the Government will also be examining options for the future through a broad and detailed consultation process. This process will involve 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.
School and Funding Recipients have recently received an email informing them of the extension and more information will be available shortly.
Important information
Under the National School Chaplaincy Program, up to $165 million over 3 years has been made available to Australian school communities to assist in the provision of chaplaincy services. School communities were eligible to apply for up to $20 000 per annum to establish school chaplaincy services, or to expand existing chaplaincy services.
Funding for most schools currently participating in the program continues until late 2010. This Government is determined to ensure schools are supported in providing for the wellbeing of their students and the NSCP has been an effective way to assist schools in achieving this.
With a number of months of this program still to go, and given the success of the program, the Government is examining options for the future. The Government is also committed to ensuring that the record funding already invested in Australian schools by the Rudd Government over 2009-12 supports pastoral care and student wellbeing.
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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.
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Chaplaincy funding information
The Australian Government has confirmed that it will honour all funding commitments previously made under this program. Around 2700 schools were granted funding under the two funding rounds of the program in 2007.
With a number of months of this program still to go, and given the success of the program, the Government is examining options for the future.
Schools funded under Round One and Two of the Program.
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Information for successful schools
Further information is available to assist successful schools.
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Frequently asked questions
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Program Guidelines and other useful documents
The following documents are available for Schools that receive Chaplaincy Funding.
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National School Chaplaincy Program Complaints Code
- Further information about the National School Chaplaincy Program complaints handling process
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PDF 26KB | 
RTF 91KB)
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Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact:
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