Student Assistance Programs (SAP)

What is SAP?

Every middle school and high school in Pennsylvania and some elementary schools have a Student Assistance Program (SAP). The purpose of this program is to be a resource for parents, school staff, and other people who care when students are showing warning signs of problems that may affect their success in school.

Warning Signs 

  • Withdrawing from family, friends, and/or school
  • Changing friends no longer spends time with old friends
  • Unexplained physical injuries
  • Talking about suicide
  • Depressed
  • Defying authority, both at home and at school
  • Acting aggressively
  • Lying
  • Needing money without an explanation
  • A sudden drop in grades
  • Use of alcohol or other drugs
Making a Referral

Don't feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about asking for help; if you have concerns, contact the young person's school counselor to make a referral to SAP. If you are not sure who to call, please contact our office and ask for one of our Prevention Staff. We can help you take the next step. 717-635-2254

 Anyone can make a referral. All referrals are kept anonymous, and all student information is kept confidential.

The Dauphin SCA has letters of agreement with all School Districts in Dauphin County to provide SAP services.
The SAP program provides a point of intervention, assessment, and referral for adolescents' drug and alcohol treatment.

 For more information about the Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program, visit http://www.sap.state.pa.us.