WES SAP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Link to WES SAP Referral

What is SAP?

The Student Assistance Program is designed to help schools identify alcohol, drug, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student’s success. Goals of the program include identifying students who are experiencing behavioral and/or academic difficulties, identifying the barriers to their learning, mobilizing school and community resources, assisting students and parents with accessing services, and offering support to those students and their families.   

The core of the program is a professionally trained team, including school staff and liaisons from community drug and alcohol and mental health agencies. Team members are trained to identify problems, determine whether or not the presenting problem lies within the responsibility of the school, and to make recommendations to assist the student. When the concern lies beyond the scope of the school, the SAP team will assist the student and parent so they may access services within the community. Team members do not diagnose, treat, or refer to treatment; but may refer for a screening or an assessment for treatment. The Wrightsville Elementary Mentoring Program is a key component of the SAP program. 

What are the 4 phases to the SAP process?

1. Referral – Anyone (any school staff, a student’s friend, a family member, a community member, etc) can refer a student to SAP when they are concerned about someone’s behavior. The student them self can directly ask the SAP team for help.

2. Team Planning – A case manager is assigned to each referral whose responsibilities include meeting with the student to discuss the referral, making contact with a parent/guardian to inform of the referral and the SAP process, distributing and obtaining the necessary paperwork to continue the SAP process, following the case and providing the student with necessary supports and the team with updates, and providing follow-up as needed. At this stage, the SAP team also gathers objective information about the student’s performance in school from all school personnel who have contact with the student. If possible, information is also collected from the parent. Upon completion of the case manager/student meeting and information collection, a plan is discussed and developed that includes strategies for removing the barriers to learning and promoting the student’s academic and personal success to include in-school and/or community-based services and activities.

3. Intervention and Recommendations – The plan is put into action and 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 and/or Mental Health assessment.

4. Support and Follow-Up – The SAP team continues to work with and support the student and their family.  Follow-up includes monitoring, mentoring, and motivating for academic success.

What if this is an Emergency?...Should I Make a Referral?

No, emergencies need to be addressed immediately. Call the numbers below if someone is not being safe to themselves or others.

• 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: Crisis Intervention (717-851-5320

• Child Abuse Line (800-932-0313)

What If I Have Already Been Referred to the Program?

First, know that you were referred because someone cares about you. They have noticed changes in your behavior or habits and want to help you be successful both in school and in life. Participation in the program is voluntary. The SAP team will contact your parent/ guardian to provide them with information about the program.

What Happens After I'm in the Program?

After receiving a referral, the SAP team will gather information about you and the concern. This information may include attendance, behavior, academic progress, and health concerns. You, your parents/ guardian, and the SAP team will then work together to figure out ways to help you deal with the problems you are facing. This might include getting involved in school activities. The SAP team can also help you and your parents/ guardian find services in your community that can help such as a professional counselor.

How Do I Get Involved?

Anyone (friends, classmates, parents, teachers and other school staff, community members…) can refer someone for help. You can even ask for help for yourself.  Referral forms are electronic and located at the top and bottom of this page.

What about Privacy?

The SAP team will respect you and your parent or guardian’s privacy at all times. All information gathered and discussed by the SAP team is confidential. No one other than the members on the team and certain adults, who need to be informed, will know that you are involved in the program.

Link to WES SAP Referral