My student had a code of conduct violation related to alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, or paraphernalia. Why was he or she referred to the Student Assistance Program?
The CMS Code of Conduct requires that all students found to be in violation of a drug, alcohol, tobacco or other substance-related rule must be referred to the SAP. The Student Assistance Program is not a disciplinary consequence, it is an intervention that is required alongside any drug-related disciplinary action. Students who participate in the Student Assistance Program are significantly less likely to have a 2nd drug violation compared to students who do not participate.
The school administrator referred my student to the SAP after a drug violation. What information will the SAP counselor share with the administrator?
When a student is referred to the SAP due to a drug violation, the SAP counselor will provide the administrator with the following information:
My child had a drug violation. Why am I, the parent or legal guardian, being required to participate in the intervention?
Parents are children's greatest support, regardless of the age of the child. The evidence-based interventions that we use are shown to be most effective when parents participate with their children.
Parent participation in SAP services serves multiple purposes including:
Someone from the school called and said that they referred my student to this program. He or she did not have a code of conduct violation. I agree that my student needs help, but I don't want information about this issue in their student record. Will Student Assistance Program information be in their record or on the transcript?The Student Assistance Program operates in accordance with federal guidelines that require strict confidentiality of substance abuse treatment records. As a result, referral to the SAP is not documented in PowerSchool (the electronic student record) and counselor notes and recommendations are not documented there either. The SAP maintains their records outside of PowerSchool so that program participation and outcomes do not become part of the student's official record.We are a substance use treatment program that serves adolescents in Mecklenburg County, but I don't believe the SAP is aware of our services. Can we share information with the team about our services?The Student Assistance Program actively works to maintain an awareness of substance use treatment programs in Mecklenburg County so that we can support families in identifying the best option to meet their needs. Please contact the CMS Mental Health Program Specialist at 980-344-0414 to discuss the best way to make the SAP aware of your services. I want to know if my child has been using drugs. I've asked and she denies it, but something isn't right. Does the SAP do drug testing?The SAP does not conduct urine or blood-based toxicology drug testing. You can access this type of drug testing at drug treatment facilities, your pediatrician's office, or you can purchase home drug test at your local pharmacy. Even if you are unsure about your child's substance use, you can still refer your child to the SAP if you are concerned.My child has a substance use disorder and has completed drug treatment. I'm concerned about him returning to the same school he was attending prior to going into treatment. What are my options?There are a number of options within CMS that might meet the long-term concern that you are raising. They include: