Student

SAP helps
students Assistance
overcome
barriers and
Program
achieve their (SAP)
goals
SAP is a systemic process
using techniques to
mobilize school resources
to remove barriers to
learning. The core of the
program is a professionally
trained team, including
school staff and liaisons
from community alcohol
and drug and mental
health agencies. SAP team
members are trained to SAP is for ALL students!
identify problems,
determine whether or not
the presenting problem
lies within the
responsibility of the school References
and to make
recommendations to Pennsylvania Network for Student Assistance
assist the student and the Services. (2015). Frequently asked questions and
parent (Pennsylvania best practice responses. Retrieved August 11, 2016
Network for Student from http://pnsas.org/
Assistance Services, 2015,
Pennsylvania Network for Student Assistance
p. 1).
Services. (2015). What is the student assistance
program (SAP)? Retrieved August 11, 2016 from
http://pnsas.org/

SAP Team
A SAP team should consist of at least four
members, each of the members should be
representatives from any or all of the
following groups: administrator, teacher,
counselor, psychologist, school social worker,
nurse, or other related professional staff
(PNSAS, 2015, p. 3).
The case manager is in charge of organizing
the students case, receiving written consent
from parent/guardian and keeping in contact
with the parent/guardian. The administrator
is the representative of the school and
provides support. The teacher offers data on
the student in class. The psychologist and
nurse give information about the students
mental and physical health. The student is
interviewed and assessed. The parent or
guardian is updated and involved, beginning
with their written consent.
SAP is not
When the problem lies beyond the
scope of the school, the SAP team
will assist the parent and student so
they may access services within
the community. The student
assistance team members do not
diagnose, treat or refer to
treatment; but they may refer for a
screening or an assessment for
treatment. (Pennsylvania Network
for Student Assistance Services,
2015, p. 1).
Referrals are made by school staff,
Confidentiality
The SAP team ensures that confidentiality is kept
and will not be shared with those outside the
referral form and submit it for evaluation by
team, unless the student expresses harm to
others or their self. In addition, being mandated
reporters due to the profession, child abuse and
neglect will be reported to authorities as dictated
by Child Protective Services Law and Act 15 of
2015.
The student can find a safe and private space
within SAP and the teams commitment to
support through intervention.
Reasons for a SAP Referral
Sudden academic decline
Disciplinary issues, including
truancy
Observable expressions of anger or
sadness
Sudden change in behavior or
change in friends
Indication of drug or alcohol abuse
Extreme weight loss or gain
Mental health issues, such as
anxiety or depression
Signs of suicidal tendencies
Any behavior or appearance out of
the ordinary for that student
SAP Referral Process
students, parents, and community
members who share concern about a
students behavior. They must fill out a SAP
the SAP team.