Student Assistance Program (SAP)

Mission Statement: SAP is a collaborative team approach between school and home to identify resources for students experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioral barriers to their learning.


SAP Process

Referral: After a referral is made, the student’s parents are contacted and asked to give input and written permission to proceed with the SAP process. If permission is not obtained or services are refused, the process is discontinued. Participation is voluntary.

 

Team Planning: If permission is received, the SAP team gathers objective data about the student from school personnel and parents. Some members of the SAP team meet with a parent/guardian to develop a plan and identify strategies to support the student and remove barriers.

 

Intervention/Recommendations: The SAP team works together to access community resources and school-based services to support the student.

 

Support/Follow-Up: The SAP team continues to work with and support the student and family through monitoring, mentoring, and motivating for success!


Making a Referral


Referrals Can Be Made to Support Students Who Are Experiencing:

Problematic behaviors

Family problems (divorce, grief, substance abuse, trauma)

Mental/Emotional Health

Difficulty being motivated


What to Look for to Initiate a Referral:

Excessively tired appearance

Expressions of anger or sadness

Loss of interest in academics or activities

⟡ Sudden changes in: appearance, attendance, behavior, grades, social interactions


School Personnel, Parents/Guardians, and Students Can Make Referrals:

  Contact Ms. Harris to make a referral

  Following the referral, Ms. Harris will contact the student's parents to provide a consent form and questionnaire.

  If consent is given, data is collected from school personnel and parents/guardians. 

  Interventions/recommendations are discussed with the student's family and may include: individual short-term support with the SAP counselor or a SAP screening.


Resources

Aldersgate Youth Services Bureau

Community Connections Navicate Program

Montgomery County Resources

PA Network for Student Assistance Services

United Way (2-1-1 SEPA)