Student Assistance Program
We reinforce the connection between emotional well-being and student success through our continuum of the school and community mental health supports. We currently have Student Assistant Programs and School-Based Mental Health Services in all of our schools, K-12. Specifically, all staff members (administrators, teachers, counselors, nurses, coaches, bus drivers, custodial staff, food service personnel) are trained annually on any change in student’s behaviors, risk factors and warning signs of suicide and appropriate responsible reporting procedures (Observe, Listen, Refer). The district and school suicide prevention coordinators continue to provide age-appropriate curriculum for students K-12 in the development of resiliency, understanding good emotional and physical health, protective factors, healthy coping and problem-solving skills, responsible reporting and identifying trusted adults at school and in the home environments.
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 or speaks with the parent(s)/guardians to discuss the information collected 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 behavioral health screening or 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. Ongoing communication will be provided to parent(s)/guardians throughout the process.