Intervention and Student Assistance: The Pennsylvania Model (From Practical Approaches in Treating Adolescent Chemical Dependency: A Guide to Clinical Assessment and Intervention, P 145-162, 1989, Paul B Henry, ed. -- See NCJ-118086)

• NCJ Number: 118092
• Author(s): L Newman; P B Henry; P DiRenzo; T Stecher
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The Student Assistance Program (SAP), developed and implemented in over 100 Pennsylvania schools, provides for the early identification of young people with school-related difficulties because of alcohol and drug use and at risk of suicide and other mental health problems.

Abstract

The key to the SAP is the identification and referral of young people to appropriate community services; it is not a treatment program. Essential elements of a successful SAP include school district policies on chemical use and abuse that cover the function of schools and school staff in alcohol and drug situations, the conduct of searches, substance confiscation, confidentiality, due process, and police involvement. Other components of a SAP involve in-school suspension, a core team approach to identifying and referring students, appropriate training for core team members, student support groups, faculty inservice training, and strong linkages with community agencies. During the 1986-1987 school year, approximately 2,923 students were identified by core teams in 64 Pennsylvania school districts, and 893 referrals were made to local community agencies. An appendix contains a sample drug and alcohol policy and administrative guidelines for school districts.