SAP

What is SAP?
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a statewide initiative designed to help students with drug, alcohol or mental health concerns.
Each district forms a SAP Team of school staff who are trained to work with students who may be at risk for drug or alcohol abuse, suicide, or other personal problems facing today’s youth.
How Does the Team Work?
A student can be referred to the SAP Team by school staff, parents, or other students when there is a concern about the student’s well being.After a student is referred, the team gathers information from school staff about how the student is currently functioning and develops an intervention plan to help the student.This may involve:

  • having a team member be a mentor for the student
  • having the team monitor the student’s progress
  • asking the student to be in a support group
  • referring the student and/or parents to professional service providers
  • or, conducting a formal clinical assessment of the student’s needs by the social worker

If you have any concerns about a student within the Penn Manor School District and/or wish to refer him/her, you can follow one of the links in the Links list to:

  • fill out a SAP Referral.
  • or, fill out a SAP Teacher Checklist when directed to do so by a SAP Team Member.

For more information about the SAP Team, please contact a team member at 872-9510.

Please also visit the state SAP web site
Warning Signs
Adolescence is a time of transition from childhood to adulthood. It is also a time when youth are exposed to increasing pressures and risks. Some moodiness and change in behavior are part of normal adolescent development.However, the following symptoms may be cause for concern:

  • Deterioration of family relationships
  • Change of friends
  • Change in sleeping or eating habits
  • Excessive demand for privacy
  • Change in personal grooming & attire
  • Declining school grades
  • Loss of interest in hobbies, sports & other favorite activities
  • Unusual fatigue or bursts of energy
  • Possessing drug paraphernalia
  • Erratic mood, anger, defiance, resentment
  • Poor school attendance
  • Unexplained need for money
  • Unusual physical symptoms such as red, watery eyes, or sniffing
  • Talk or threat of suicide
  • Giving away possessions
A Message to Parents
Parents who are experiencing problems with their children often accept more responsibility than is necessary. When this occurs, parents begin to feel overwhelmed in their responsibilities. They no longer feel effective in their parenting role and feel that their child is out of control.Parent Responsibilities:

  • set limits & be consistent
  • establish & follow through on consequences
  • know & be willing to recognize symptoms of chemical dependency or emotional distress
  • be willing to seek outside help

Unhelpful Reactions:

  • overreact, scream, or moralize
  • patronize, excuse, or condone the use of drugs or chemicals
  • blame yourself or let your child blame you
  • strike a deal – “If you quit…, I’ll give you…”
  • accept the excuse that “They all do it.”
  • make threats you don’t intend to carry out

Helpful Reactions:

  • confront your adolescent with facts about his/her behavior & how it affects others in the family
  • be calm, try to empathize, show concern and a willingness to help
  • try to get any additional information that clarifies the situation
  • discuss the possible need for an evaluation with a professional
  • allow your child to experience the consequences of his/her own behavior
  • refer your child to the SAP Team