SAP is a process that utilizes 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 identify problems, determine whether or not the presenting problem lies within the responsibility of the school and to make recommendations to assist the student and the parent. 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.

Referral - Anyone can refer a student to SAP when they are concerned about someone's behavior - any school staff, a student's friend, a family member or community member. The students themselves can even go directly to the SAP team to ask for help. The SAP team contacts the parent for permission to proceed with the SAP process.

Team Planning - The SAP team gathers objective information about the student's performance in school from all school personnel who have contact with the student. Information is also collected from the parent. The team meets with the parent to discuss the data colleted and also meets with the student. Together, a plan is developed that includes strategies for removing the learning barriers and promoting the student's academic and personal success to include in-school and/or community-based services and activities.

Intervention and Recommendations - The plan is put into action. The team assists in linking the student to in-school and/or community-based services and activities. The team might recommend a drug and alcohol or mental health assessment.

Support and Follow-Up - The SAP team continues to work with and support the student and their family. Follow-up includes monitoring, mentoring, and motivating for academic success.

In closing, a Student Assistance Program (SAP) is designed to help school personnel to identify issues which pose a barrier to a student's learning and school success. At times, those issues may be related to mental health and behavioral concerns, depressions, suicide or alcohol and other drug use. The SAP utilizes a systematic process, along with a specially trained team of school personnel, to intervene and refer these students to appropriate in-school and/or community services. Student participation in the program is voluntary. All information regarding the student's involvement in the program is confidential and maintained in the best interest of the student. Students may be referred on a basis of behavior concerns, drop in school performance, mental health issues, including the risk of suicide, and drug and alcohol violations. Students may be referred to SAP by teachers or other school personnel, parents, friends, or themselves. For further information or to make a referral, please contact one of the SAP members in your student's building.

For more information on the Student Assistance Program visit www.sap.state.pa.us or you can contact William Chick at the High School at (814) 533-5601 ext. 1184 or Mrs. Carrie Andraychak at the Johnstown Middle School for further information.