Supporting people in the justice system

During what is often the lowest point of their lives, inmates and their loved ones on the outside can experience despair, loneliness, and anger as they grapple with separation and isolation while navigating the challenges of the criminal justice system. Our UnitingCare Prison Ministry is here for you.


We strive to make a positive change by providing hope, stability and empathy.


We support prisoners at the 15 adult correctional centres across Queensland – from Palen Creek in the south to Lotus Glen in the far north – by offering pastoral care and Sunday faith-based services.


Prison Chaplains provide non-denominational pastoral care for inmates of all cultures, religions, and ethnicities. They come alongside individuals with a confidential listening ear, and empathic and non-judgemental presence. They seek to bring hope, encouragement and spiritual care where requested.

Prison Ministry is expanding into Court Support

UnitingCare Qld, State Manager for Prison Ministry is excited to announce the recruitment and commencement of a Court Support Coordinator, Ken Harvey, who will collaborate with local congregations to establish court support programs across the state.


Application form
Court Support Workers

How does Prison Ministry help?

  • Court support

  • Chaplaincy

Spreading hope
Former educator Ray explains how he and his fellow volunteer prison chaplains are making a difference within correctional centres across Queensland through empathy and support.
Read Ray’s story

Volunteer with Prison Ministry

We are looking for volunteer prison chaplains who are kind, open-minded and want to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people. You should have:

  • A mature faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Active listening skills.
  • Knowledge of pastoral care.
  • Work well in an ecumenical team environment.
  • Training or willingness to train in pastoral care.

Duties include:

  • Provide pastoral care one day a week in a correctional centre.
  • Run Sunday Christian worship services as part of a six-week roster.
  • Refer inmates to post-release service providers.
  • Assist with incidents or deaths in custody.
  • Attend team meetings and online training, including a three-day session in Brisbane every year.

To apply to become a volunteer please fill out an application form on our Volunteer Portal.


Volunteer today

Donate to Prison Ministry

We rely on financial donations to grow the service, so we can help more prisoners move away from negative influences, make better decisions and reduce reoffending.


Donate today

Enquire now

UnitingCare’s Prison Ministry is here for you. For more information on any of our services, please email prison.ministry@ucareqld.com.au or complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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