Already familiar with SAP? Make a referral here.
What is the Student Assistance Program (SAP)?
The Student Assistance Program or SAP is a school-based team process used to connect students and families with appropriate supports and resources when there may be challenges that interfere with a student's ability to learn, succeed, or feel well at school.
SAP supports concerns related to:
Academic performance
Attendance
Behavior or social concerns
Alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use
Mental health or emotional wellness
Other barriers to student success
The SAP team:
Reviews student concerns
Collects objective information
Collaborates with families
Recommends helpful services or supports
SAP team members do not diagnose or provide treatment. Their role is to help identify needs and guide families toward available school or community resources.
Parent/guardian involvement is essential, and permission is required before certain steps occur.
The goal of SAP is to help students overcome barriers so they can achieve, advance, and remain successful in school.
The SAP Process
1. Referral: Anyone — including parents/guardians — may refer a student when there is a concern impacting success or well-being.
2. Data Collection: The SAP team gathers relevant information to better understand the concern. Parent/guardian permission is required to proceed.
3. Action Planning: If appropriate, the team develops a plan to connect the student with recommended school-based or community supports.
4. Follow-Up: Progress is monitored and supports are adjusted as needed.
SAP in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Student Assistance Program follows a statewide, collaborative model overseen by the Pennsylvania Network for Student Assistance Services (PNSAS).
SAP is supported by:
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
SAP teams operate under state guidelines, professional standards, and local school board policies. Team members complete specialized training through PA Approved SAP Training Providers to ensure appropriate, confidential, and legally compliant practices.
Family Partnerships & Confidentiality
SAP is a supportive, student-centered process that emphasizes:
Respect for student and family privacy
Collaboration with parents/guardians
Early identification of concerns
Connection to helpful resources
If you have concerns about your child’s academic progress, behavior, attendance, or well-being, please make a referral here.