• SAP (Student Assistance Program) 

    If you would like to refer a student to the SAP program, please either:

     

    a) complete the electronic SAP Referral Form or

     

    b) print out the SAP Referral Form and return it to Student Services or a SAP team member 

     

    WHAT IS SAP?

    SAP is a state-mandated student assistance program developed to help students, teachers and staff members in dealing with concerns about students who are believed to be experiencing barriers to learning. SAP utilizes a systematic process to identify and refer students who may appear at-risk due to drug and alcohol or mental health issues. SAP is NOT a disciplinary process.

    WHAT ARE SOME FUNCTIONS OF THE SAP TEAM?

    Identify students who may be at-risk due to alcohol or drug use, depression or other mental health problems.
    Intervene and refer those students to appropriate in-school or community services (assistance programs are intervention, NOT in-school treatment programs).
    Inform students, parents and school staff about the available student assistance services.
    Encourage parental involvement in the SAP process.

    WHO ARE THE TEAM MEMBERS?

    The core team members consist of volunteer faculty and staff who have been trained to assist the student and his/her family in identifying problems that impact on the student's ability to function successfully in school, and to offer assistance in alleviating these problems. The SAP team is supported by the Bucks County Council (215)230-8218 and the Lenape Valley Foundation (215)345-5300.

    Current members of the Tohickon SAP Team:

    Mrs. Schute, School Counselor
    Mr. Stryker, School Counselor
    Mrs. Kelly, School Nurse
    Mrs. Wolfinger, Social Worker
    Dr. Fash, Assistant Principal
     
     

    WHO CAN REFER STUDENTS TO SAP?

    Teachers, school staff, parents, and peers are the source of student referrals. Also, students often refer themselves for help.

    HOW IS A STUDENT REFERRED?

    Students may be referred to the SAP team by completing a SAP Referral Form found on the top of this page or in the guidance or health office.

    HOW CONFIDENTIAL IS THE REFERRAL PROCESS?

    Confidentiality is essential for the student, parent, teacher and administrator. Every effort is made to keep extremely confidential any information gathered by the SAP team. The names of specific school personnel are never mentioned.

    WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SAP RECEIVES A REFERRAL?

    The SAP team meets weekly to discuss the progress of any pending referrals and to assign new referrals for processing. In the case of new referrals, all faculty and staff who have regular contact with the student are sent a confidential survey of specific observable behaviors. Any concerns for the students are communicated to the team members and will be shared with the parents.


    WHAT DOES SAP DO WITH THE DATA THEY GATHER?

    The data gathered by the behavior survey is then entered on a spread sheet for the purpose of documenting any patterns. State law requires that SAP notify the student's parent/guardian of the reported behaviors. During this exchange, the SAP case worker will offer team assistance.

    WHAT IS AN INTERVENTION?

    When reporting the behavior survey to the student's parent/guardian, the SAP case worker will offer to meet with the student and parent(s) and two/three other team members to share and discuss the reported concerns. Often the appropriate county agency representative is also in attendance at these interventions. It is during the intervention process that the student is encouraged to undergo an assessment to determine the extent of the problem.

    WHAT HAPPENS TO INFORMATION GATHERED DURING AN ASSESSMENT?

    All information gathered during an assessment by a county agency clinician is strictly confidential