Student Assistance Program

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Ext. 3008

Focus of the Student Assistance Program is to provide early identification, comprehensive assessment, intervention and referral of substance abuse problems in a school setting, to provide services to children of alcoholics and other high risk youth, which in turn helps to assist these students in succeeding academically.

Meetings are arranged based upon the students’ schedule and counselor availability. Every effort is made to avoid interruption in learning. If there are concerns about a student missing a class please let me know. All students are informed that their classroom teacher has the final say if they can attend the scheduled meeting. Students must have a pass from me to attend student assistance or the teacher must confirm counselor availability.

Referrals are made if there is a clear/known substance abuse issue with the student or their family, if there are significant changes in behavior, affect or school performance. Other issues (mental health, peer problems) may be better addressed with the dean of students, guidance counselor, school psychologist or school social worker. If you are unsure please contact me.

Teachers can remain anonymous when making a referral, but this is only recommended if absolutely necessary; this can impede the referral process. Referral forms are located in the main office, on Google drive (Student Assistance Faculty Referral Form) or you can email me directly. Please do not put student’s personal information in an email – no student names in the subject line – you can put the student’s name in the body of the email, but no details. I can get that information from you in person or you can write it up on a referral form and leave it in my box in the main office.

If you suspect a student is under the influence of a substance immediately contact an administrator. The guidelines for this are in the faculty handbook.

Students’ confidentiality is protected under Federal Law; therefore I am only able to inform the referral source if the student has been seen, unless a release of information form has been signed.

I am available for classroom presentations, department meetings, faculty consultations and any substance abuse related questions.