Department of Student Assistance
Core BeliefsThe Paterson Public Schools’ Student Assistance Department believes in helping our students maximize potential by providing crisis and drug prevention, intervention, education, counseling, staff training, mental health and other treatment referrals. Through the provision of these services, we believe we can improve student wellness and academic achievement, thereby preparing all children for college and careers. PhilosophyThe philosophy of the Student Assistance Department is to educate the whole student emotionally, socially and academically. We aim to customize our approach by valuing students as individuals and using proven research-based programs. STUDENT ASSISTANCE DEPARTMENT & SCHOOL INITIATIVES/ACTIVITIES:
ResponsibilitiesPaterson Public School District employs 13 Student Assistance Coordinators who provide expertise in the following areas regarding substance abuse and related issues:
Student Referrals/Student Drug TestingA student may request services on his/her own or be referred by a teacher, any other staff member or by his/her parent. There is a referral form that can be obtained from the building Student Assistance Coordinator. Once a student is referred, a careful assessment of his/her needs is performed and recommendations made to the student and parent. If a student is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol/drugs or is in possession of a substance believed to be a controlled dangerous substance, the student must have a medical examination/drug screening and breathalyzer test. Failure to comply with the policy, receiving a positive diagnosis, being in possession of a controlled dangerous substance/alcohol/paraphernalia/counterfeit controlled substance, failing to comply with the testing procedures or tampering with the specimen will be considered an automatic positive offense and require an immediate assessment/evaluation by a licensed clinician before the student returns to school N.J.S.A. 18A: 40A-12; N.J.A.C. 6A: 16-4.1(c)2. The licensed clinician will recommend a treatment plan for the student to follow and the parent to approve if required. The referral process is not a disciplinary one but rather a means to identify at-risk students in order to provide them with the appropriate services. Confidentiality: All Paterson Public School Student Assistance Coordinators are well versed in federal confidentiality law (42 CFR-Part 2) and both they and the school respect a student’s and their families’ right to privacy at all times. Staff Forms
Policy and ProtocolsStudent may be referred for SAC intervention services both in person and while remote learning. Please choose one of the forms below and fill out the required sections. Once submitted, a district SAC will reach out to the student and family regarding the referral. NOTE: There is no reason for a PPS staff member to reach out to the student/family to advise of their referral. This will be handled by the SAC Department. The only item required is the submission of the chosen referral form below. Additionally, all SAC Department referrals should be submitted electronically, whether the district is operating in person or virtual. 1) Refer a student for substance use and/or possession
2) Refer a student for counseling services OR vaping intervention (students not currently under the influence)
Virtual Crisis 1. Suicide Questionnaire Google Form
Additional Resources
SAC Policy & Procedures
Below is access to the 2021-2022 SAC Policy and Procedures training. The training explains in detail how and when to make referrals, both in-person and remotely. The training is 28 minutes long. Once completed, do not forget to sign-in as your attendance for this mandated training is sent to the NJDOE. It will also be required to gain a PD certificate.
1) Watch the training video:
2) Sign the Sign-In sheet for NJDOE and PD Certification
Contact Us
Laurel Olson 90 Delaware Ave. The Student Assistance Department is a student support service offered by the Paterson Public Schools. The Substance Awareness Department is comprised of five certified Student Assistance Coordinators who provide drug and alcohol education, as well as prevention and intervention strategies. The department believes in helping our students maximize potential by providing crisis and drug prevention, intervention education, counseling, staff training, mental health and treatment referrals. Through the provision of these services, we believe we can improve student wellness and academic achievement, thereby preparing all children for college and careers
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Vaping Identification and Procedures
