The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is designed to assist school personnel in identifying issues which pose a barrier to student success.  The primary goal of SAP is to help students overcome barriers in order to achieve and remain in school and be successful.

SAP is made up of a professionally trained team that includes school staff, and liaisons from community drug and alcohol agencies and mental health agencies.  SAP team members are trained to identify problems, determine whether the presenting problem lies within the responsibility of the school and to make recommendations to assist the parent and student.  When the problem lies beyond the scope of the school the SAP team will assist the parent and student so that they may access appropriate services within the community.  SAP team members do not diagnose, treat or refer to treatment but they may refer for a screening or an assessment for treatment.

There are 4 phases to the Student Assistance Process

Referral-Anyone (school staff, friend, family member, community member) can refer a student to SAP when they are concerned about behaviors.  Students themselves can go directly to the SAP team to ask for help.  The SAP team contacts the parent for permission to proceed with the SAP process.

Team Planning-The SAP team gathers objective information about the student’s performance in school from all school personnel who have contact with the student.  Information is also collected from the parent.  The team meets with the parent to discuss the data collected and also meets with the student.  Together, a plan is developed that includes strategies, both in school and the community, for removing the learning barriers and promoting the student’s academic and personal success.

Intervention and Recommendations-The team assists in linking the student to in-school and or community based services and activities.  The team may recommend a drug and alcohol or mental health assessment.

Support and Follow up-The team continues to work with and support the family.