Chaplains still keen to play role
CHANGES to the chaplaincy program will next year see schools given the power to forgo a chaplain and instead use resources to employ a secular youth worker.
Individuals employed in the role will also need higher qualifications than currently required, lifting requirements to a Certificate IV level.
Local chaplaincy committee chairman Jeff Baills said chaplains provide a unique lifeline to students but has thrown his support behind the aspect of lifting qualifications.
"Chaplains offer spiritual and pastoral care to students that brings an added level of support," Mr Baills said.
He said the committee already went "above and beyond" those requirements, making it compulsory for chaplains to hold a diploma level degree.
"I think you want to have a skill set level where people can make a difference and obviously the higher the skill set, the bigger difference you can make," he said.
Despite the changes, Mr Baills didn't believe it would see a huge impact within the Warwick community.
"From my perspective, schools are very happy with our services," he said.
