The UDASD Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a team made up of school and agency staff available to help you access school and community resources for your child. Our team is here to assist in identifying and removing issues that may pose a barrier to a student’s success. Our team does not diagnose, treat, or refer your child for treatment. We provide you with information and you make the choice that best fits your needs and wishes. As the parent/guardian, you are an important part of this team.

All information related to the Student Assistance Program is kept confidential and only shared with those who have a need to know the information so that services can be provided to the student.

Teachers or other school personnel can refer students. A friend or family member can also let the team know if they are concerned about someone. The child can even go directly to the SAP team to ask for help. If your child displays observable behaviors or talks to a school staff member about any of the following, he or she may be recommended for the Student Assistance Program:

• Recurring behavioral issues in the classroom or within the school environment
• Lack of regular attendance at school
• Recurring family or friend issues
• Mental or emotional health concerns such as anxiety, depression, uncontrolled anger, social issues and trauma
• Drug and/or alcohol use
• Eating disorders
• Student pregnancy
• Bullying
• Self-harming behaviors

The services recommended by the program may include:

• Participation in school-based activities or extracurricular activities throughout the school and community
• Mentoring including the YMCA Mentoring Program, adult mentors, or peer mentors
• Additional check-ins with Discovery Teachers
• Family-based supports and assistance
• Mental health assessment and/or treatment
• Drug and alcohol assessment and/or treatment

Please note that not every student is recommended for mental health or drug and alcohol treatment.

Some students benefit from additional levels of support from adults or peers within the school while others may indicate a need for counseling or specialized programs. The assessments conducted as part of the program help to provide information that is used to make specific recommendations for your child.