What is a SAC?

How is a SAC different from a school counselor?

Student Assistance Coordinator (SACs) work to support the entire student community, just like school counselors. The main difference is that SACs are not assigned a caseload of students and work with all students. They act as a resource for the entire school community, working with any student or group in a confidential setting.

SACs also build connections within the local community, so they can act as a source of information and referrals to different community agencies and resources. 

SACs receive specialized prevention and intervention training to identify and address the needs of each student and each school. They also participate in on-going professional development in order to best serve the schools and communities.


Confidentiality 

According to a very strict Federal Regulation (42.CFR), the Student Assistance Counselor cannot disclose to anyone any information that a student discusses with them, without the permission of the student. There are only two exceptions to this law. The first is in instances where the student expresses the desire to hurt himself/herself or another person. The second exception involves situations of abuse. In both cases the SAC is obligated to inform school or legal personnel.

With this confidentiality law, students feel more comfortable disclosing information to their counselors. In most cases holding information in and letting it build can have a detrimental effect. The SAC gives the students the opportunity to vent in a safe place where they know the information will not leave the office. 


STUDENTS MAY ALSO SEEK SUPPORT FROM THE SAC 

FOR A VARIETY OF OTHER STRUGGLES including: 


How do you meet with me and/or how do I get referrals?


 · I have an open-door policy. Students merely have to drop by my office (Room 710 in the high school, by appointment in the middle school). 

· Sign up for an appointment in the Counseling Office using the computer.

· Ask his/her counselor to set up an appointment 

 · Teachers/Staff Members who are concerned about a student may refer the student to the Student Assistance Counselor for an assessment.  A student may refer a friend if they are concerned about them. 

· Parents may call the Student  Assistance Counselor because they are concerned about their child’s behavior or are looking for local resources.