Prison chaplains
Our chaplains provide a range of support to people in prison
Where a Salvation Army chaplain is not operating in a particular prison, a referral will be passed on to another member of the chaplaincy team. For example, if in Western Australia, contact the relevant prison and ask for their chaplaincy services.
They can provide
- One-on-one support — emotional, spiritual and pastoral
- Regular visits
- Chapel services
- Bible studies (not available in every prison)
- Referrals to other agencies in preparation for release
- Positive Lifestyle Program facilitation
They can't provide
- Accommodation support
- Practical, food or financial assistance
- Assessments to alcohol or drug services
- A way to pass information on to an inmate
- Direct support back to the individual requesting the chaplain service
Useful information about supporting a prisoner
South Australia
Department of Correctional Services
In South Australia, prisoners are responsible for booking their domestic visits, whether in-person or via Zoom. Besides visiting, you can also get in touch with a prisoner by writing or calling.
Northern Territory
NT Prisons
There are different visiting procedures for the correctional centres in Darwin, Alice Springs and Berrimah and the work camps. You can send postal mail and e-mail as well as visit prisoners.
Western Australia
Department of Justice
Visitors are welcome at all Western Australian prisons and the process to book a visit depends on the prison. Certain prisoner information can be accessed by writing to the Minister for Corrective Services or the Commissioner, Corrective Services at the Department of Justice.
Tasmania
Tasmania Prison Service
The Tasmania Prison Service provides information on how to contact or visit prisoners and remandees in prison facilities located at Risdon Vale, Hobart and Launceston.
New South Wales
Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW)
CSNSW welcomes family and friends who wish to visit NSW correctional centres. They can also help you locate or contact an inmate as well as provide information about prison chaplaincy services.
If you would like a Salvation Army Prison Chaplain to visit your family member or friend then please fill in all required information.
Is the inmate in a Western Australian prison?
Please contact the relevant WA prison and enquire directly.
Additional information
Positive Lifestyle Program
Transforming one life at a time with the love of Jesus. The Positive Lifestyle Program encourages people to create a better version of themselves, which has a ripple effect in creating a positive change in their communities.
The Positive Lifestyle Program is an eight-module course used by hundreds of Salvation Army chaplains, counsellors, and volunteer facilitators throughout Australia. Originating in Canada, it was introduced to Australia by The Salvation Army in the 1990s to be used in courts and prisons. The updated material is now used in a wide variety of fields and settings.
The methodology takes participants through a self-awareness-raising process, focusing on personal difficulties they may be unable to identify or address. We look to address discontentment, fear, anger, and fatigue, which are some of the harmful consequences people experience when relationships and communication processes break down irreparably.
In a non-invasive, non-judgmental way, the Positive Lifestyle Program encourages participants to consider the following aspects of their lives:
- Self-awareness
- Anger
- Depression and loneliness
- Stress
- Grief and loss
- Problem solving
- Assertiveness
- Self-esteem
- Future directions