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WHAT DOES THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DO?
Our ultimate goal is to help every JMS student be successful in school.
We identify, with the help of students, parents and school staff, students experiencing difficulties. The problems may be related to severe absenteeism, declining academic performance, possible drug or alcohol use, withdrawal from others, or drastic changes in mood, appearance or behavior.
We gather multi-sourced, objective data to share with parents, then develop a plan of support for the student within our JMS community.
WHO is a member of THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE team?
We are a team of administrators, school counselors, and teachers, plus a school nurse, mental health liaison, and school psychologist, trained to recognize high-risk behaviors that create barriers to learning and impede success.
Look for a blue star posted outside the doors of all Student Assistance Team members at JMS!
HOW DO YOU REFER SOMEONE TO THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?
Anyone may refer a student to the program. Simply pick up a form in the JMS Guidance Office and return it there. Forms can also be given to Student Assistance Team members; again, you can identify them by the blue star that will be posted outside the door of their office or classroom.
WHAT IF SOMEONE FINDS OUT THAT I REFERRED THEM TO THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?
Rest assured, that THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN. The confidentiality of a student referral must conform to the standards set by the Bureau of Basic Education Support Services of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Maintaining the privacy of the students referred to us, and the people making referrals, is a responsibility that all team members take very seriously.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SOMEONE IS REFERRED TO THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?
While the needs of students referred to us vary, we generally follow these procedures:
1) A concerned individual refers a student.
2) We communicate with the family of the referred student to let them know what concerns have been expressed and to be sure that they give their consent for us to try to provide support.
3) We gather objective, observable data from multiple parties to better assess whatever problems the student may be having.
4) We discuss, create, and implement a plan to help support the student.
5) We monitor the student’s progress and maintain contact with his or her family.
6) When appropriate, we provide families with referrals to other school or community programs that will offer support.
HOW ARE PEOPLE WHO MAKE REFERRALS TO STUDENT ASSISTANCE Kept “In The Loop” ABOUT WHAT IS BEING DONE?
Actually, people who make referrals often find out very little about what has happened due to confidentiality issues. This can be frustrating for some people, but we ask for your understanding—these are personal and private matters for the students and families involved. Please know that the Student Assistance Team considers, and takes appropriate action on, every referral it receives.
WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE TO REFER SOMEONE TO THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?
Please feel comfortable referring a student ANY TIME you have concerns about their well being. Situations do not have to be desperate or wildly alarming for you to make a referral. The worst that can happen is that we find the student does not have any particular problems or need for support at the time. At best, we identify a problem early and help the student and his or her family to resolve it.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Your JMS Guidance Counselors 412-344-2000
EMERGENCIES
Allegheny Crisis Emergency Service 1-888-424-2287
CONTACT Pittsburgh 412- 820-HELP
WESTERN PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE & CLINIC
Services for Teens at Risk for Suicide 412-246-5619
Outpatient Eating Disorders Clinic 412-246-6390
Child and Adolescent Mood Program 412-246-5222
DRUG & ALCOHOL ASSESSMENT
Alcohol & Drug Abuse 24-Hour Hotline 1-800-234-0420
Gateway Adolescent (Outpatient) 412-928-5940
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Outreach South 666 Washington Road 412-561-5405
Family Links 250 Shady Avenue 412-661-1800
This page was added on: 2/8/2007 by kconaway
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