Student Assistance Program (SAP)

Quakertown Community High School’s Student Assistance Program (SAP) team, made up of school and community partners, is available to help you access school and community services for your child. In Pennsylvania, every school district is required to have a plan for identifying and assisting students who experience barriers to learning. QCHS’s 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 child 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 
 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 
How Does My Child Become Involved in the SAP Program? 
Anyone can refer a child to the SAP team. Some students are referred by teachers or other school personnel. A friend or family member can also let the team know that they are worried about someone. The child can even go directly to the team to ask for help. Schools will gather information to determine how a student is doing in their classes. However, the SAP team will not proceed unless you give your written parent permission. Once permission is received, the team will work with you to develop a plan of action to help your child achieve success in school. Participation in the program is voluntary. 


SAP REFERRAL FORM

What is SAP?

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The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Student Assistance Program (SAP), which is administered by the PA Department of Education's Safe Schools Office in partnership with the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs' Division of Prevention and Intervention, and the PA Department of Human Services' Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, is designed to assist school personnel in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student's success. The primary goal of the Student Assistance Program (SAP) is to help students overcome these barriers in order that they may achieve, remain in school, and advance. While Student Assistance Programs exist in other areas of the country, the structure and operation of the program in Pennsylvania is a unique expression of an integrated model serving the needs of Pennsylvania families and their students.

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 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.

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