Student Assistance Program (SAP)

What Is SAP? 

A SAP team made up of school and agency staff is available to help you access school and community services for your student.

In Pennsylvania, every school district is required to have a plan for identifying and assisting students who experience barriers to learning.  The SAP 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 student for treatment.  We will provide you with information and you make the choice(s) that best fit your needs and wishes.  As the parent/guardian you are an important part of the team. 

Do You See Your Child Showing Any of These Behaviors?

  • Withdrawing from family, friends, and/or activities

  • Changing friends

  • Unexplained physical injuries

  • Feeling sad

  • Talking about suicide

  • Defying authority, both at home and school

  • Acting aggressively

  • Hitting

  • Lying

  • Needing money without a good explanation

  • Declining grades

  • Experimenting with alcohol or drugs

Are You Concerned about Your Child’s Reaction to...?

  • Recent death of a loved one

  • Divorce of parents

  • Family relocation

  • A relationship problem

  • Bullying

  • Other traumatic event

Who can refer a student? How is a student referred?
Anyone within the school community can refer a student to the SAP team--parents, students, teachers, custodians, administrators, friends or family members and even community members. All referrals are confidential--no one outside the SAP Team knows who has been referred.

Referring a student for the SAP Team can be done by reaching out to any member of the SAP Team. These staff members can complete the form with or for you, should you need support in this process. The form asks for the name of the student being referred, and provides a checklist of reasons for referral.
 
What reasons can a student be referred? 
There are many reasons which may include but are not limited to the following: academic performance, school attendance, disruptive behavior, unusual behavior, peer problems, suspected use of drugs/alcohol, frequent themes of death/dying, personal problems or a change in physical appearance.
 
What happens after a student is referred? 
The SAP Team sends checklists to the student's teachers to obtain academic and behavioral performance in class as well as any observable behaviors. Once the checklists are collected, a member of the SAP Team contacts parents/guardians to seek approval to move forward with the referral.
 
If a parent says no, what happens? 
The SAP Team closes the case and sends a letter of refusal to the parent/guardian. The parent is also provided with contact information should the parent/guardian decide to change their mind and seek SAP assistance.
 
If a parent says yes, what happens? 
The SAP Team then refers the child to a representative from Healthy Communities Partnership who then schedules a meeting with the student, gathers information and composes a list of recommendations to the student and the parent/guardian. It is up to the parent/guardian and student to pursue any recommendations. All information regarding referrals is kept confidential.