An extension of Baptist Care SA’s prison chaplaincy program, Breaking Free connects  people leaving prison with churches to support healthy and productive transitions back into communities.

It supports churches to embrace participants and welcome them into the life of the church. To establish mentoring relationships and give practical assistance while encouraging participants and fostering their independence. Any local church with a passion for this ministry has the potential to be involved.

Mentor

A member of the congregation who is committed to share life with the participant and create an environment to help the participant to grow spiritually. 

Prayer partner

Someone who is committed to support both the mentor and participant in prayer. 

Prison Chaplain

The Prison Chaplain provides ongoing training, networking and support for mentors, including four training sessions per year.

• The Baptist Care SA Prison Chaplain identifies suitable candidates in the prison system.
• Candidates consider the program and agree with its conditions.
• The Prison Chaplain approaches local church leadership and introduces the Breaking Free program.
• If leadership are willing to proceed, the Prison Chaplain provides the Senior Pastor with the candidate’s profile and criminal history.  
• The Senior Pastor and church leadership decide to proceed.
• Church leadership appoint a mentor and prayer partner. (Police checks are recommended for mentors.)
• The Prison Chaplain meets mentors to talk about participants’ profiles, provide training and discuss responsibilities and boundaries.
• Prison Chaplain introduces participant to Senior Pastor and mentor.
• Mentors meet participants weekly at a public venue that suits both parties.