What is a SAC?

SAC Counseling Is:

Collaborative 

The SAC can help by working with the student directly, collaborating with the teacher(s), or both. The SAC can also communicate with the student’s family or other professionals when appropriate.

Confidential 

Students and teachers can expect that information shared with the SAC remains confidential (unless a student is being abused, or someone is in immediate danger).

Convenient 

Most school districts have an in-house Student Assistance Coordinator. Referrals can be made directly to the SAC. (see link to referral form below) 

Referral Form

Student Assistance Counseling is a process where students meet with a professional counselor to discuss any problem they may be experiencing, such as: 

Student Assistance Counseling Program

Services available to students include, but are not limited to, individual and group counseling.  Administrators, school counselors, teachers, staff, peers and parents can make referrals to the SAC and, students may refer themselves.  The only mandatory referrals are made when a student violates the Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco policy or the Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying policy. Parents with questions are encouraged to contact the SAC, Sasha Hicks, in the Counseling Office at  school at (908) 273-1190 x 4517 during the regular school day.

Individual Counseling

Using a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapeutic (CBT) approach (a short-term problem-focused psychosocial intervention), this SAC serves as a Facilitator of a process that begins with a biopsychosocial assessment to determine: risk factors and level of risk; life skills deficiencies and life crisis' or event; and, individual needs. Motivational Interviewing, a specific CBT technique, is used to elicit student awareness of problem and readiness in acknowledging that change is necessary. A primary goal of this approach is to elicit from each student self-motivating statements to use to reinforce movement toward taking personal action toward becoming solution-focused; which may or may not include referral for other services.

Outside Consultation & Collaboration

At times, a student's problem may go beyond the scope of school-based services and the parents will be given options for a community-based or outside evaluation. This referral for outside-of-school services is designed to connect the parent(s)/guardian(s) and their child with community-based treatment options. While it is recognized that Managed Health Care often drives out-of school referral options, every effort will be made to support in-network services except in those instances that constitute a psychiatric emergency (Suicide or Self-Injury Policy) or a violation of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Policy.


Confidentiality

All matters are handled with the highest degree of confidentiality and discretion. Federal Confidentiality Rules (42 CFR - Part 2) apply in all substance use or abuse referrals. Referral Source and specific comments are not revealed to other staff, students or parents without the appropriate Release of Confidentiality documentation. 
Please note: Students who appear to be currently under the influence of a substance must be referred immediately to the Administration, as per the ATOD Policy. 

The creation of the Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC) position in many school districts throughout New Jersey has been the most effective strategy to identify, address, and monitor individual students as well as coordinate and oversee district prevention and intervention efforts. The SAC is best suited to address these issues because: