Safety and Security

Student Assistance Program

WHAT IS THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?

The Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a team of specially trained school and contracted behavioral health staff who are available to help identify barriers to student success. In Pennsylvania, every school district is required by law to have a Student Assistance Team. This team works toward identification of behavioral and mental health concerns as well as alcohol and/or drug use problems that are impacting students’ ability to succeed.

WILL THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TREAT MY CHILD’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS?

SAP is an intervention and referral program, not a treatment program. Services may involve consultation with you or your child’s teachers, skill-building groups, or assessment by a behavioral health professional or drug and alcohol counselor (secondary schools only). Assessments are only provided once the parent has given written permission. No intervention will occur without your knowledge and consent.

WHY MIGHT A CHILD BE REFERRED TO THE PROGRAM?

Relationship problems with friends or family
Feelings of depression or talk about suicide
Difficulty with anxiety or frequent feelings of stress
Death of a family member
Anger problems
Truancy or declining grades
Experimenting with drugs or alcohol
Difficulty focusing or paying attention
Behavior problems in class or at home
Divorce or separation
Experiencing of trauma

HOW IS A CHILD REFERRED TO SAP?

Anyone can refer a student including teachers, administrators, coaches, or parents.

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE MY CHILD IS REFERRED TO SAP?

You will be asked for written consent to begin the SAP process and will have an opportunity to discuss the reason for the referral.
The SAP team will gather information from teachers, guidance counselors, the school nurse, and parents.
A Mental Health or Drug/Alcohol Liaison (depending on the concern/age of the student) will speak with your child if you have consented to an assessment. For younger children, classroom observations may take place to help assess student needs.
You will be included in developing a plan for intervention, including referral to school based or community based resources.

WHAT CAN THE SAP MENTAL HEALTH LIAISON HELP WITH?

Assessment of your child’s mental health or behavioral health needs
Referrals to community agencies who can provide treatment if needed. The district collaborates with local agencies to provide school based outpatient services. Referrals can also be made to private practitioners and other public behavioral health agencies.
Short term supportive counseling for students
With prior written consent, the MH Liaison can provide coordination with community agencies to assist your family in making sure your child’s needs are met
Consultation with families and school staff to learn more about behavioral health conditions and interventions

WHAT CAN THE SAP DRUG/ALCOHOL LIAISON HELP WITH?

Supportive counseling and education for students who are impacted by a family member’s current or past substance use

AVAILABLE FOR GRADES 6-12 ONLY

Screening for possible drug/alcohol use
Treatment for student drug/alcohol use and referral to additional services if needed

WILL MY CHILD’S INFORMATION BE KEPT PRIVATE?

Yes. All referrals will be kept confidential, according to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and HIPPA. Only the SAP team members, the referral source, and the parent/guardian will be aware of the referral.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you have questions about the SAP Process or would like to make a referral for your child, contact your child’s guidance counselor or principal.

Northwestern School District

Safety and Security