Student Assistance Program

What is SAP?

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) has been developed as a means to identify and refer students who are believed to be "at risk" for developing problems such as, but not limited to, substance abuse or depression. The SAP team consists of trained personnel available to assist the student and family in identifying problems that impact on the student's ability to function in school, and offer assistance in alleviating these problems. We will provide parents with information and resources so that they can make an informed decision that best fits their students’ needs and wishes. As the parent, you are an important part of the team. The SAP team’s information is completely confidential, and the team will always respect you and your child’s privacy.

How Can My Student Become Involved in the SAP Program?

Anyone can refer a student to the SAP team. Some students are referred by teacher or other school personnel. Friends or family members can also let the SAP team know they are worried. The child can go directly to the SAP team to ask for help. Schools will gather observable information to determine how a student is doing in his/her classes. The team will work with you to develop a plan of action to help your child achieve success in school. We will not proceed if you are not on board. Participation in the program is voluntary.

What is the purpose of the SAP assessment?

The purpose of the SAP assessment is to determine if the student has a problem or barrier to learning, and, if so, what could be done to help alleviate it. The SAP assessment consists of two or more confidential interviews with the assessor, and is free of charge to any student referred by a school SAP team. Both students and their parents(s)/guardian(s) will be interviewed in order to gather information concerning the student's past and current functioning. The assessment is provided through The Council of Southeast PA.

At the conclusion of the assessment the assessor will provide the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) with recommendations and an appropriate referral for further treatment, if necessary.


The SAP team can help you find services and assistance with resources within the community. We do not diagnose, treat or refer your child for treatment. Rather, we will provide you with the information; you make the choices. Our goal is to help your child succeed.

When could a student be referred to the SAP team?

Anyone can make a referral (teacher, parent, fellow student). Perhaps they may see:

      • a sudden drop in grades

      • withdrawing from friends or family

      • unexplained physical injury

      • talk of suicide

      • depression

      • defying authority

      • acting aggressively or acting out

      • experimenting with drugs or alcohol

      • recent death of a loved one or other traumatic event


What if someone refers my child to the SAP team?

If this happens, it is because someone is concerned about observable behaviors they are seeing in your child. Perhaps a teacher or administrator has noticed changes in school that you may or may not have noticed at home.


In collecting data about your child, your observations of your child at home are important. The team will request that you sign a permission form for your child to become involved in the program. Once you sign, the team will begin to work with you and your child. If you choose not to sign, the team will not become involved. The only time the process is required is when and if your child is involved with a drug or alcohol violation in school. According to current school policy an assessment is required when there is a policy violation. At this time, an informal hearing with the administration will begin the required process.


If you feel that your child may need help, call your child's counselor and ask about the SAP program.