The Student Assistance Program (SAP)
Description of service provided:
The Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a systematic team process used to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning. SAP is designed to assist in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student’s success. The primary goal of the Student Assistance Program is to help students overcome these barriers so that they may achieve, advance, and remain in school. While Student Assistance Programs exist in other areas of the country, the structure and operation of the program in Pennsylvania is a unique expression of an integrated model which serves the needs of Pennsylvania families and students. These programs are overseen by the PA Network for Student Assistance Services (PNSAS) under PDE, OMHSAS, and DDAP.
Through contacts with our counties and local school districts, the Dickinson Center, Inc. Children’s Prevention Services provide SAP Mental Health Liaisons to serve on the teams within each school. In addition to filing the role of mental health consultant on the teams, liaisons provide preventative mental health services to students. These services include mental health assessments, individual and group supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and recommendations and referrals for additional services including school and community supports and different levels of mental health treatment.
Liaisons can also be made available to support faculty and students following any traumatic school-wide event which can include grief and loss services and/or postvention education. All services provided are confidential.
Geographical area of service:
Dickinson Center, Inc. SAP Mental Health Liaison services are offered through all middle and high schools within the following Elk and Cameron County school districts.
Cameron County School District
Elk County Catholic School System
Johnsonburg Area School District
Ridgway Area School District
St. Marys Area School District
SAP liaison services in Elk and Cameron County are primarily focused on students within middle and high school grade levels however, The Student Assistance Program can also be integrated at the elementary level by request of the school. Schools with as needed liaison contracts include:
Johnsonburg Elementary School – Johnsonburg Area School District
Francis S. Grandinetti Elementary School – Ridgway Area School District
Admission Criteria:
Any student may be referred to SAP services by anyone who has concerns about the student; this can include students themselves, friends, teacher, faculty, family members, coaches, etc.
How to access service:
Referrals can be made through the school counselor’s office, the SAP Mental Health Liaison, any school faculty member, or a SAP Team member. The student’s school must receive permission from a legal guardian before services can be provided. Students may be referred to the Student Assistance Program because they are experiencing an academic, behavioral and/or emotional difficulty that is making it difficult for them to succeed in school; there is no admission criteria.
Address and hours of operation:
Dickinson Center, Inc.
Children’s Prevention Services
4 Erie Avenue, Suite 302
St. Marys, PA 15857
Sierra Himes, Director of Children’s Prevention & Assessment Services
Phone: 814.834.2602
8:00am – 4:00pm.
The Student Assistance Program is available during the regular school year.
How consumers pay for service:
The Student Assistance Program is offered at no charge to students who attend school within Elk and Cameron Counties. It is funded by the state of Pennsylvania. Dickinson Center, Inc. receives this money as we hold a contract with the Cameron/Elk County Behavioral and Developmental Program to provide the program in Elk and Cameron Counties.