The State Chaplaincy Board For Corrections In Queensland is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing faith-based pastoral care to prisoners across Queensland. The organization operates in all 15 correctional centres within the state, aiming to offer spiritual support and rehabilitation services to offenders irrespective of their religious affiliation.

Mission and Purpose

The core mission of the State Chaplaincy Board For Corrections In Queensland is to lead the delivery of faith-based pastoral care to all prisoners in Queensland. Their work embodies a compassionate approach to prisoner welfare, reflected in their guiding principle of supporting individuals during their incarceration by meeting spiritual and emotional needs.

Structure and Affiliations

The Board is composed of six religious organizations including the Catholic, Anglican, and Uniting churches, the Salvation Army, Prison Fellowship Queensland, and Inside Out Chaplaincy. This ecumenical composition ensures that chaplaincy services are inclusive and accessible to offenders from diverse faith backgrounds. Chaplains provide their services seven days a week, extending pastoral care that promotes reintegration and personal support network building for offenders during and after incarceration.

Programs and Initiatives

One significant program associated with the Board is the Sycamore Tree Project, run by Prison Fellowship Queensland. This restorative justice program is based on the biblical story of Jesus and Zacchaeus and has proven effective in reducing recidivism among prisoners. It offers offenders the opportunity to engage in restorative activities, facilitating personal transformation and reconciliation.

The Board also collaborates with community organizations on programs that support both prisoner rehabilitation and community welfare. For example, Queensland Corrective Services partners with animal welfare groups to enable prisoners to care for animals, providing skills and fostering responsibility, which assists in their rehabilitation and improves their prospects upon release.

Impact

By providing consistent pastoral care and supporting restorative justice initiatives, the State Chaplaincy Board For Corrections In Queensland plays a vital role in the correctional system’s efforts to rehabilitate offenders and support their successful reintegration into society. Their services underscore the importance of holistic care in correctional environments, addressing spiritual as well as social and emotional needs.

This organization is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and operates under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 46527399493RR0001.

[1] https://corrections.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/CorrectionsNewsOctober2016.pdf [2] https://statechaplaincyboard.com [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d3c43ff0-38af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182 [4] https://statechaplaincyboard.com/chaplain-login/ [5] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d3c43ff0-38af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/people