Thousands of schools have applied for ongoing funding for chaplaincy or student welfare services through the Government’s National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.

Minister for School Education Peter Garrett, said that under changes to the program announced in 2011, school communities can choose a chaplain or student welfare worker, and new services are being offered to up to 1,000 additional schools.

“From September 2011, schools with existing chaplains were able to apply to continue their chaplaincy or welfare services under the new National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program,” Mr Garrett said.

“It’s clear that chaplains and student welfare workers are a great asset to schools and provide positive support for students, with Government receiving 2,512 applications for the continuation of services.

“Applications for the continuation of services are currently being processed and schools will be advised of the outcome in the coming months.”

Of the 2,512 applications received, 89 per cent of schools have chosen to remain with a chaplain, eight per cent have chosen to employ a student welfare worker, and three per cent are yet to decide.

Schools that do not currently have a chaplain have until 2 March 2012 to apply for one of the additional 1000 new places.

The schools can receive up to $60,000 over three years to offer chaplaincy or student welfare services to their school community. Schools in remote and very remote locations will be eligible for an additional 20 per cent loading, a maximum of $72,000 over three years.

The Australian Government has committed $222 million over three years to the program.

For further information visit: www.deewr.gov.au/Schooling/NSCSWP