Student Assistance Program (SAP)

The purpose of the STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM is to HELP students develop positive self concept as well as learning coping and decision making skills in order to promote healthy drug free lifestyles choice.
The program will provide counseling services to students with school, peer, family and alcohol and other drug related problems. The program will also provide a procedure for early identification of students experiencing these problems.

The Philosophy of the Student Assistance Program is one of the caring and concern for all students. Burke Council On Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency, Inc. and the Burke County Public School System work together in a joint enterprise to offer a comprehensive Student Assistance Program to all middle and high school students in Burke County. Adolescence is a time of growth, experiencing, by trial and error, life's up's and downs, social confusion and daily peer pressure. It is a time of challenges in school, initial employment and movement towards independence.

Adolescents mature physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially at different rates of speed. They vary in rates of learning. Success in their work is necessary for their own self esteem. They should have confidence in their ability to grow.  They need to feel that they are  understood and appreciated for themselves and for their accomplishments.

THE GOALS OF THE PROGRAM ARE;
1) To provide students with specific information and literature on peer, family and alcohol and other related problems.
2) To provide individual and support group counseling to any student experiencing problems that deal with everyday life stressors.
3) To attempt to reduce the problems and pressures experienced by students resulting in improvement in school attendance, academics and maintenance of a healthy drug free lifestyle.
4) To provide a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment whereby students may seek assistance with their problems.
5) Consult with school staff & parents to ensure students receive necessary services.

REFERRALS ARE ACCEPTED BY THE FOLLOWING:

- SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

- SCHOOL COUNSELOR

- SCHOOL FACILITY

- PARENT / GUARDIAN

- COMMUNITY AGENCIES

- FAITH-BASED COMMUNITIES

- CONCERNED COMMUNITY MEMBERS

- SELF-REFERRAL BY STUDENT

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the program; however, a student's participation is voluntary.

For more information call BCACD at 828-433-1221.