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Parents or guardians can make a referral to the SAP team using the form linked on the right. These referrals are confidential.
Parental/Guardian input and involvement are incredibly important to the SAP process. Consent must be obtained in order for students to receive services. Below are some FAQs regarding the SAP Program.
What is the Student Assistance Program (SAP)?
In Pennsylvania, every middle school, high school, and some elementary schools have a Student Assistance Program (SAP). A SAP Team is made up of school and community agency staff. The team is here to help you access school and community services. If your child is having trouble in or out of school, we can help, as there may be times when you just do not know how. That’s okay; someone else may. Don’t feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about asking for help. When extra help is needed, knowing how and where to find it can be overwhelming. This is where the SAP Team comes in.
How does my child become involved in the SAP program?
Our team will help you find services and assistance within the school and, if needed, in the community. We do not diagnose, treat, or refer your child for treatment. Rather, we will provide you with information; YOU make the choices.
REMEMBER, YOU ARE PART OF OUR TEAM.
Our goal is to help your child succeed in school. Students come to the SAP team in different ways. Anyone can refer a student to SAP. Some students are referred by teachers and other school personnel. Any school staff member, a student’s friend, or family member, can let the SAP team know that they are worried about someone. The students themselves can even go directly to the SAP team to ask for help. However, the SAP team will not become involved unless we receive both parent and student permission.
What if someone has already referred my child to SAP?
First, know that your child was referred because someone is concerned about observable changes they are seeing in your child. Perhaps a teacher or friend has noticed changes in behavior and habits that you may or may not have noticed at home. Your observations of your child at home are important.
The SAP team will request that you sign a permission form for your child to become involved in the program. This can be located at the top of this page on the maroon button. Once you sign, the SAP team will begin to work with your child and communicate with you. If you feel you need more information before making a decision, please let your SAP team know. If you do not sign the permission form, the SAP team will NOT become involved. Participation is voluntary.
What happens after I give my permission?
Together, you and the SAP team will develop a plan of action to help your child achieve success in school. The plan might include services and activities in school and/or services from a community agency. Either a SAP team member or agency liaison will keep in touch with you. We remain concerned and interested in your child.
What about my child and my family's privacy?
The SAP Team members and school always maintain confidentiality regarding you, your child, and your family.
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