Elementary Student Assistance Program

ESAP
Elementary Student Assistance Program




What is the Student Assistance Program?

In Pennsylvania, all schools have a Student Assistance Program (SAP).  The team, made up of school and community agency staff, is here to help you access school and community services.  If your child is having trouble in or out of school, we can help you.

Is your child displaying any of these behaviors?

Withdrawing from family, friends and/or school

Changing friends; no longer spends time with old friends

Unexplained physical injuries

Talking about suicide

Depressed

Defying authority, both at home and at school

Acting aggressively

Lying

Sudden drop in grades

Are you concerned about your child’s reaction to:

Recent death of a loved one

Divorce of parents

Family relocation

Other traumatic event

How Does My Child Become Involved in the Program?

Our ESAP team will help you find services and assistance within the school, and, if needed, in the community.  We do not diagnose, treat, or refer your child for treatment.  Rather, we will provide you with information; you make the choices.  Our goal is to help your child succeed in school.

Students come to the ESAP team in different ways.  Anyone can refer a student to the 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 ESAP team know that they are worried about someone.  However, the ESAP team will not become involved unless we receive your permission.

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/or habits that you may or may not have noticed at home.  Your observations of your child at home are important.

The ESAP team will request that you sign a permission form for your child to become involved in the program.  Once you sign, the ESAP team will begin to work with you and your child.  If you feel you need more information before making a decision, please let our ESAP team know.  If you do not sign the permission form, the ESAP team will not become involved.  Participation is voluntary.

 

What Happens After I Give My Permission?

There are several steps that the team will take after you sign the permission form:

1)    The ESAP team will gather specific information about your child’s performance in school from all school staff who have contact with your child.  An ESAP team member will also talk with you either in person or over the phone about your observations, your child’s strengths, and your concerns.

2)    Together, you and the ESAP team will develop a plan of action to help your child achieve success in school.  The plan might include services from a community agency.  If necessary, the ESAP 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)    3) The ESAP team will continue to work with and support your child.  

 

Contacting the Student Assistance Program

If you feel that your child may need help, please call the elementary school and ask to speak with Ms. Henderson or any member of the ESAP team:

Privacy

The ESAP team will respect your privacy and your child's privacy at all times.

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