Student Assistance Program (SAP)
The Student Assistance Program, commonly known as SAP, is a school-based team process designed to help identify barriers to learning and connect students and families with support. It is a confidential, supportive process that helps students when concerns arise related to academics, attendance, behavior, mental health, substance use, grief, family changes, peer relationships, or other personal challenges.
What is SAP?
The Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program is a team process used to mobilize school resources and help remove barriers to learning. The goal of SAP is to support students so they can achieve, advance, and remain successful in school.
At CMMS, our SAP team may include school counselors, administrators, nurses, teachers, school social workers, and community agency partners. Together, the team reviews concerns, gathers information, and recommends appropriate school-based or community-based supports for students and families.
Why Might a Student Be Referred?
A student may be referred to SAP when there are concerns that something is interfering with their success at school. These concerns may include:
- A noticeable drop in grades or motivation
- Frequent absences or attendance concerns
- Changes in behavior, mood, or peer relationships
- Difficulty coping with stress, anxiety, grief, or family changes
- Concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or other substances
- Ongoing conflict with peers
- Withdrawal from friends, activities, or school involvement
- Any other concern that may be impacting a student’s ability to learn
How the SAP Process Works
When a student is referred to SAP, the team reviews the concern and gathers information from school staff who work with the student. The goal is to better understand what may be getting in the way of the student’s success.
If additional support is recommended, the SAP team may contact the family to discuss concerns, share available resources, and work together on next steps. Depending on the situation, supports may include school-based check-ins, counseling resources, mental health connections, drug and alcohol prevention or intervention resources, attendance support, or referrals to community agencies.
Family Partnership
Families are an important part of the SAP process. The goal is not to label students, but to connect them with support before concerns become bigger barriers. If you are worried about your child, you do not need to wait for the school to reach out. Families may contact the school counselor, administrator, or SAP team to discuss concerns and ask for support.
Confidentiality
Information shared through the SAP process is handled with care and respect. The SAP team follows school policies and applicable privacy guidelines. If there is a concern about student safety, harm to self or others, abuse or neglect, or another urgent issue, school staff must take appropriate steps to keep students safe.
How to Make a Referral
Students, families, teachers, and staff members may share concerns with the SAP team. If you believe a student may benefit from additional support, please complete the form at the bopttom of this page.
Need Immediate Help?
SAP is a support process, but it is not an emergency response system. If there is an immediate safety concern, please contact emergency services, Safe2Say Something, or the appropriate crisis support resource.