• The BGA Student Assistance office follows a broad-brush philosophy which posits that students who are displaying troubling behavior will be referred to the student assistance counselor, regardless of whether that trouble indicates any involvement or association with alcohol and other drug-related concerns.

• Troubling behavior is defined as any behavior that exceeds the boundaries of the teacher, parent, administration or guidance and effects, negatively, the student’s academic performance, social interaction or personal life.

• Referrals can be made by a teacher, friend, self, administration, parent, nurse, core team, or school counselor as a part of the drug/alcohol policy, or out of concern regarding a mental health issue or personal crisis.  All release of information and referral forms will be administered through the SAC office.   

• The SAC will be a resource for high risk students, students in crisis and all alcohol and drug related issues.

• All discipline and academic issues will be directed to the appropriate professionals.

• Student Assistance Counselor may be contacted by calling 731-549-1108 ext. 612, or email Mrs. Aiken.  Appointments are available as needed.

 Student Assistance Counselor Responsibilities

The Student Assistance Counselor is responsible for school wide coordination of the Prevention, Intervention and Postvention Programs.

Prevention duties include:

• Coordinator of Anytown, Peer Leadership and Ahr Choice

• Promote awareness of various drugs, trends and other harmful issues (posters, verbal and written information).

• On Going Education and Training of Students and Faculty through workshops, speakers, booklets and classroom presentations.

• Participation in Community Organizations (Municipal Alliance, Middlesex County Substance Abuse Coalition)

• Participation in local, state and national professional organizations.

• Act as an In-School Resource for ATOD and Mental Health issues.

• Keep all necessary forms updated.

• Keep professional skills and information up to date through attendance at workshops and reading material.

• Review in- school policies relating to ATOD and other “at risk” behaviors and edit when necessary.

 Intervention duties include:

• To assist teachers and counselors with referrals of “at risk” students.

• To assist parents with referrals to agencies and therapists.

• To facilitate drug testing.

• To participate on the CORE team.

• To handle all individual student crisis.

• To participate as a Crisis Team Member.

• Provide short term individual counseling.

• Provide support groups.

 Postvention duties include:

• To assist counselors and faculty with students’ re-entry after hospitalization for drug/alcohol and/or psychological issues.

• Follow up with doctor, therapists and referral agencies.

• Follow up with CORE team.

• Write contracts to facilitate students continued compliance with school policies.

• Follow up with drug testing schedules.

• Monitoring first weeks following re-entry.

• Provide support and guidance to students, families and faculty.