Student Assistance Program

All youth are eligible to participate
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a mandated K-12 program, as stated in the public school code
An SAP team is made up of school and agency staff who are available to assist parents in accessing school and community services for your child
SAP teams do not diagnose or treat
In Pennsylvania, every school district is required to have a plan for identifying and assisting students who experience barriers to learning
Prevention and Screening Referrals provided for BH and Substance Abuse
Require consent from legal guardian
All schools are assigned a specific SAP provider based upon School District Learning Network
DBHIDS contracts with four agencies ( CORA, Einstein, Northwest Human Services, and Shalom Inc.), with a total of 11 SAP assessors available for the entire city
SAP assessment services are available within all Philadelphia public schools, including some charter, private and parochial schools
During the past year, over 1000 students received SAP services

A teacher or other school personnel referral initiates the SAP process, ( the child can also self-refer)
Parent is notified and consent is obtained
SAP Assessor meets with parents and student
Behavioral health assessment (mental health & drug/ alcohol) is completed with the student.
Recommendations are shared with parents and SAP team, if consent is given by student.
The Assessor works with parents to make linkages to the appropriate services in the community.

Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services