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 Student Assistance Counselors at the middle and high school levels. Referrals can be made directly to the SAC using the link below.

Referral Form

Students may meet with their SAC to discuss a variety of problems that they may be experiencing, such as:

Family problems
School problems
Drug/alcohol intervention and prevention
Depression and other emotional problems
Relationship issues
Stress or anxiety
Bullying
Eating disorders
ANY other issues

If SAC determines that a student may benefit from a higher level of care, the SAC will offer resources to the student and their family and will collaborate with student, family, and appropriate staff members to guide and support the student as best as possible.

Student Assistance Counseling Program

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, Molly Malkinski, in the Counseling Office at school at (908) 273-1190 x 4517 during the regular school day.

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:

SACs uniquely possess the specific training to identify and address these behaviors;
SACs provide confidential services in more effective one-on-one settings without conflicting with the law or creating conflicts of interests for other faculty members;
SACs can save school districts money and substantial resources by allowing other faculty members to focus on the responsibilities consistent with their skills, interests, and official job descriptions.

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