Anglican Criminal Justice Ministry Victoria
Anglican chaplains work closely with chaplains from other denominations and faiths to form a Chaplaincy Team which ministers to the spiritual needs of prisoners throughout the State's fourteen prisons and Youth Justice centres. Chaplains conduct worship services and provide pastoral care to support prisoners as they deal with personal concerns and the effects of separation from family and friends.
The Criminal Justice Ministry has been part of part of Anglicare Victoria since 2002. The ministry supports restorative justice initiatives which are more likely to bring healing than traditional approaches primarily concerned with punishment, because they give a voice to victims, and provide an opportunity for offenders to address their behaviour, while also providing an opportunity for the community to support the victim and the offender. The ministry provides information sessions and advice to the church and community groups on chaplaincy and issues relating to the justice system.