Helping Students Thrive, Not Just Survive

The SHRSD Student Assistance Program (SAP) helps support the overall well-being of students so they can succeed both in and out of the classroom. The program provides a safe and supportive space where students can talk about challenges related to mental health, stress, relationships, substance use, or other personal concerns. Through individual support, small groups, and connections to school and community resources, the counselors at South Hunterdon work with students, families, and staff to promote healthy decision-making, emotional wellness, and positive coping skills. The goal of SAP is to help students feel supported, build resilience, and stay engaged in their learning and school community. 
 

Goals of the Student Assistance Program

1. Provide evidence based education to students, parents, and faculty/staff on alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD), and mental health concerns.
    
2. Identify students who may be at risk of developing mental health or substance use issues to intervene and assist students.
    
3. Practice harm reduction strategies and education to reduce the number of students utilizing substances.
    
4. Develop resources, groups and other tools to respond to changing needs in the areas of mental health and substance abuse within the South Hunterdon community.
    
5. Collaborate with students, parents, faculty/staff, and the South Hunterdon community to provide resources both in school and locally.
    
6. Provide a safe, supportive, and confidential environment for all students in South Hunterdon Regional School District.

Confidentiality

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) offers both individual and group counseling to all students in South Hunterdon Regional School District. All Students who receive counseling services from the Student Assistance Counselor are entitled to special legal protections on their confidentiality due to 42 CFR Part 2. Confidentiality promotes the students comfort, encourages engagement, and allows students to be forthcoming with personal experiences and mental health. 

Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 2, protects students from the identification or disclosure of any information by a counselor regarding receiving drug and alcohol treatment, as well as any other related information a student may disclose. This also allows students to seek support for drug and alcohol use without parental consent. 

There are limitations to confidentiality. When one or more of the limitations have been shared a counselor must break confidentiality to ensure the student is safe. The limitations are as follows: 

1. Harm to Self (self-injury, suicidal ideation)

2. Harm to others (homicidal ideation, threats)

3. Abuse and/or Neglect (sexual, physical, emotional)

If the limitations to confidentiality are not met, information disclosed by students will not be released or discussed unless the student's written consent to share is received. Counselors encourage students to self-disclose/report information with parents/guardians, when appropriate.