What is the Student Assistance Program?
 In Pennsylvania, every middle and high school and some elementary schools have a Student Assistance Program (SAP).  A SAP team, made up of school and community agency staff, is here to help you access school and community services.

Do You See Your Child Showing Any of These Behaviors?
*Withdrawing from family, friends and/or school      *Talking about suicide
     *Changing friends; no longer spends time with old friends *Depressed
*Unexplained physical injuries *Acting aggressively
*Defying authority, both at home and at school *Lying
     *Needing money without an explanation *Sudden drop in grades
*Experimenting with drugs or alcohol

Are You Concerned About Your Child's Reaction To:
*Recent death of a loved one *Family relocation
*Divorce of parents *A relationship problem
*Other traumatic event

How Does Your Child Become Involved in the Program?
Students come to the SAP team in different ways.  Anyone can refer a student to the Student Assistance Program.  Some students are referred by teachers and other school personnel.  Any school staff member, a student's friend or family member can let the SAP team know that they are worried about someone.  The students themselves can even go directly to the SAP team to ask for help.  Your school's SAP team will help you find services and assistance within the school and if needed, in the community. 

What if Someone Has Already Referred My Child to the Program?
First, know that your child was referred because someone is concerned about observable changes they are seeing in your child.  Perhaps a teacher or friend has noticed changes in behavior and habits that you may or may not have noticed at home.  Your observations of your child at home are important.

What Happens After My Child has been referred?
There are several steps that the team will take after a referral:

     1) The SAP team will gather specific information about your child's performance in school from all school staff who have contact with your child.  A SAP team member will also talk with you either in person or over the phone about your observation, your child's strengths, and your concern.

     2) Together, you and the SAP team will develop a plan of action to help child achieve success in school.  The plan might include services and activities in school and/or services from a community agency.  If necessary, the SAP team will talk with you about services in the community and give you information on how to contact others who may be able to help.

     3) The SAP team will continue to work with and support your child.  They will stay in touch with you to talk about your child's progress and success in school.  Your continued involvement is very important.

Privacy - The SAP team and the school will respect you and your child's privacy at all times.

Contacting Your School's Student Assistance Program
If you feel that your child may need help, call your child's school and ask to speak with a member of the SAP team. Someone there will help.

SAP Team Members at Villa Maria Academy: Lauren Tate, Sally Jeffries, Kathleen McCartney, Rosemarie Coghlan, Mary Kay Napoli, Karen Clements, Sister Joan Kelly, Jeane McNamara, and Cheryl Leonhardt.