Embedded Files
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is designed to identify students who are experiencing challenges that may pose barriers to learning and school success.
WHAT IS SAP?
The SAP Team is made up of trained school and agency staff to help you access school and community services. The SAP team will help you find services and assistance within the school, and if needed, in the community. We do not diagnose, treat, or refer your student for treatment. Rather, we will provide you with information; you make the decisions.
As the parent/guardian you are an important part of the team. Do not feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about asking for help. When extra help is needed, knowing how and where to find help can be overwhelming. The SAP Team will help you find services and assistance within the school and your local community. Our goal is to help your student succeed in school. This program is modeled after many Employee Assistance Programs currently found in private business or industry.
How Does My Student Become Involved in the SAP Program?
Anyone can refer a student to the SAP team. Some students are referred by teachers or other school personnel. A friend or family member can also let the SAP team know that they are worried about someone. The student can even go directly to the SAP to ask for help. Schools will gather information to determine how a student is doing in their classes. However, the SAP team will not proceed unless you give your written parent permission. Once permission is received, the SAP team will work with you to develop a plan of action to help your child achieve success in school. Participation in the program is voluntary.
What If Someone Has Referred My Student to SAP?
A SAP team member will contact you regarding your student's referral to the program. Before a SAP team member talks to your student, you will be asked to sign a permission form. The SAP team will work with you and your child throughout the process. As their parent/guardian, your knowledge and thoughts about your student will be helpful in developing a plan of action. If you need more information before making a decision about SAP, please feel free to talk to a SAP team member.
Do You See Your Student Showing Any of These Behaviors?
Withdrawing from family, friends, and/or activities
Changing friends; no longer spends time with old friends
Unexplained physical injuries
Feeling sad or Talking about suicide
Defying authority, both at home and school
Acting aggressively
Hitting
Lying
Needing money without a good explanation
Declining grades
Experimenting with alcohol or drugs
Back-talking staff
Are You Concerned about Your Student's Reaction to...?
Recent death of a loved one
Divorce of parents
Family/guardian relocation
A relationship problem
Bullying
Other traumatic event
The PA Parent & Family Alliance provides additional information for parents/guardians to help them in making an informed decision about how SAP may be a good option for your family. This includes excerpts from conversations with real families who have participated the Student Assistance Program.
Please review the video below to gain a thorough overview of the SAP Process and how it may be a helpful option for your student.
What happens after I give permission?
The SAP Team will gather objective information about your student's performance in school from all school staff that has contact with your student. As a parent/guardian, you will also be able to share your observations, your student's strengths, and your concerns.
Together, you and the SAP Team will develop a plan of action to help your student achieve success in school. The plan might include services and activities in school and/or services from a community agency through our partnership with Devereux. If necessary, the SAP Team member will talk with you about services in the community and give you information on how to contact others who may be able to help.
The SAP Team will continue to work with and support your student. They will stay in touch with you to talk about your student's progress and success in school. Your continued involvement is very important.
Privacy
The SAP team information is completely confidential and the team will respect you and your child's privacy at all times.
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