WHAT IS THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM? In Pennsylvania, every middle and high school have a Student Assistance Program. Your school's SAP will help you find services and assistance within the school, and if needed, in the community. We do not diagnose, treat, or refer your child for treatment. Rather, we will provide you with information; you make the choices. Remember you are part of our team. Our goal is to help your child succeed in school. REASONS FOR REFERRAL: *Withdrawing from family, friends, and or/school. *Changing friends; no longer spends time with old friends *Unexplained physical injuries *Talking about suicide *Depressed *defying authority, both at home and at school *Acts aggressively *Lying *Sudden drop in grades *Experimenting with drugs or alcohol. *Needs money without an explanation *See additional reasons ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S REACTION TO: * Recent death of a loved one * Divorce of parents * Family relocation *A relationship conflict *Other traumatic event If you child is having trouble in or out of school we can help you. There may be times when you just don't know how to help your child. That's okay; someone else may know how to help. | HOW DOES MY CHILD BECOME INVOLVED IN THE PROGRAM? Students come to the SAP in different ways. Anyone can refer a student to the SAP. Some students are referred by teachers and other school personnel. Any school staff member, a students' friend or family member can let the SAP know that they are worried about someone. The students themselves can even go directly to the SAP to ask for help. However, the SAP team will not become involved unless we receive your permission. The SAP will request that you sign a permission form for your child to become involved in the program. Once you sign, the SAP will begin to work with you and your child. If you feel you need more information before making a decision please let your SAP know. If you do not sign the permission form, the SAP will not become involved. Participation is voluntary. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I GIVE MY PERMISSION? There are several steps the team will take after you sign the permission form: 1. The SAP will gather objective information about your child's performance in school from all school staff who have contact with your child. A SAP member will also talk with you either in person or over the phone about your observations, your child's strengths, and your concerns. 2. Together, you and the SAP will develop a plan of action to help your child achieve success in school. The plan might include services and activities in school and/or services from a community agency. If necessary, the SAP will talk with you about services in the community and give you information on how to contact others who may be able to help. 3. The SAP will continue to work with and support your child. They will stay in touch with you to talk about your child's progress and success in school. Your continued involvement is very important. | STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION: TEAM COORDINATOR: Mrs. Jenn Buskirk (download and print) Send to your child's guidance counselor 425 Orient Avenue. DuBois, Pa 15801 **Information provided by the The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania departments of Education, Health, and Public Welfare.** |
