Student Assistance Program

The NH Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a school- and evidenced-based program for middle and high school students who are working through individual, family and peer issues that disrupt their educational success, chance to thrive, and ability to make healthy choices. The SAP identifies, assesses and provides early intervention and referral services.

Why Do NH Schools Have SAP?

The goal of the SAP is to provide students with extra support and a chance to learn life skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, empathetic listening, and cultural competence. SAPs have helped with lowering students' behavioral and disciplinary violations including substance use, helping students get through school safely and successfully, and improving school attendance and grades. See current contact list below for the BDAS-funded NH schools and SAP coordinators.

• Contact List

How Does SAP Help Students?

While we often say, "who couldn't use a little extra support?", it is especially true in middle and high school. Our kids are going through a lot during this time in their lives. A Student Assistance Program provides kids at school with connections that support them and link them to additional services during challenging times they may be having. Please see The Personal and Family Risk Factors sheet to see who may need extra support. Even if none of these risk factors are a part of your child's life, if you have a feeling your child needs a little more support, SAP can help.
 

How Does the NH SAP Work?

The NH SAP model is based on Project Success, a nationally recognized and evidenced-based program focusing on prevention, early intervention, and referral. NH SAP addresses a wide range of issues that can affect school success. NH SAP process begins with:

• A referral made by anyone concerned about a student, including a teacher, a parent, or a student may self-refer.
• The SAP Coordinator meets with the student and does a screening process to find students' strengths and areas for growth.
• A plan is put into action by linking the student to in-school and/or community-based services and activities. (SAP does not provide treatment or clinical services.)
• The SAP Coordinator continues to work with an support the student and their family as needed with follow-up monitoring, mentoring, and motivation for personal success.

What Students Can Participate in SAP Services?

While each school has its own process, any student enrolled in a school with a SAP can participate.

How Much Does it Cost to Participate in a SAP?

SAP is free for a student and/or family to participate.

What if a NH School Doesn't Have a SAP?

If your school does not provide an SAP, speak to the school administration and have them contact The Network for more information at nhsapnetwork@jsi.com. If you need services to support your child now, please contact 988 or 211.