The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Student Assistance Program (SAP) is designed to help school personnel identify issues that pose a barrier to student success. The program is administered by the PA Department of Education’s Division of Student and Safe School Services in partnership with the PA Department of Health’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the PA Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
How does SAP Work?
SAP is a systemic process using techniques to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning. The program’s core is a professionally trained team that includes school staff and liaisons from community alcohol, drug, and mental health agencies. SAP team members are trained to identify problems, to determine whether the presenting problem lies within the school’s responsibility, and to make recommendations to help the student and parent/guardian. When the problem lies beyond the scope of the school, the SAP team assists families in accessing services within their local community or online. SAP team members do not diagnose, treat, or refer children for treatment. However, they may refer children for a screening or an assessment for treatment.
Parents and legal guardians have the right to be involved in the process and have full access to all school records under the applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Parent involvement in all phases of SAP is expected. This partnership is integral to the successful resolution of problems.
Who do I contact?
Reach out to your LEAP Specialist, counselor, or any of their teachers or administrators and let them know you’d like your child to get support from the SAP Team. You can also email Student Resource Coordinator David Surovec at dsurovec@insightpa.org or fill out our Student Support Referral Form.
Safe2Say Something
Safe2Say Something is a program that teaches you how to recognize warning signs in individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it’s too late.