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Student Assistance Program (SAP)

What is SAP?

The Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a team process used to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning. SAP is designed to identify academic, social, attendance, substance use, mental health, and other concerns which pose a barrier to student success. The primary goal of the Student Assistance Program is to help students overcome these barriers so that they may achieve, advance, and remain in school.

The core of the Student Assistance Program is a professionally trained team, including school staff and liaisons from community drug and alcohol, mental health, or behavioral health agencies. SAP team members are trained to review incoming referrals, gather data, and make recommendations to support students in overcoming barriers to learning. These recommendations may include supports and services offered within the school or community. SAP team members do not diagnose, treat, or refer to treatment for behavioral health concerns. The engagement of students and families throughout the SAP process is essential. The SAP team will assist parents in accessing any recommended services and supports.

Contact:

For any questions regarding the SAP program or if you believe your child may be good fit please reach out to:

District SAP Coordinator & District Social Worker
Logan Donahue
ldonahue@deerlakes.net
724-265-5300 x 3301

Please click here to submit a referral.

What makes a SAP referral?

Academic Concerns

  • Significant drop in grades or academic performance
  • Those who struggle to perform at grade-appropriate levels
  • Students who need additional instructional support and redirection

Behavioral Concerns

  • Significant changes in behavior
  • Defiance of rules and/or work refusal
  • Inappropriate social behaviors such as bullying or displays of aggression
  • Issues related to alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use

Social-Emotional Concerns

  • Displays of emotional disturbance such asdness and/or anxiety
  • Changes in mood, appearance, or interest
  • Lack of social group and/or inability to get along with peers
  • Recent loss of a family member or friend
  • Students who are experiencing a mental health crisis

Attendance Concerns

  • Excessive absenteeism
  • Consistent Tardiness
  • School Avoidance
  • Students who are chronically ill

Family Concerns

  • Parents who have recently separated or divorced
  • Students who are in foster care or considered homeless
  • Students who are involved with CYF

4 Phases of the Program

Phase 1
Referral

Anyone is able to refer a student to SAP when they are concerned about their behavior.

Phase 2
Data Collection

The SAP team gathers objective information and data to inform their decision-making process.Parent permission is required to continue the SAP process.

Phase 3
Action Planning

A plan is developed to assist the student in accessing recommended school or community supports. The team may utilize liaison services for an assessment and recommendations.

Phase 4
Follow-Up

Follow-up includes monitoring progress towards goals and checking in with the family, student and referral source. The plan is able to be adjusted as needed.

Resources