NCJ Number
109376
Date Published
1988
Length
32 pages
Annotation
After reviewing the deficiencies of many juvenile alcohol/drug programs, this book presents 10 characteristics of successful Student Assistance Programs (SAP's), which involve all that parents and educators need to know, think, feel and do to help students deal with all the ways they are affected by their own alcohol/drug use or that of someone else.
Abstract
The most effective SAP's recognize the complexity of alcohol/drug-related problems, address the unique needs of at least six distinct target groups of students, perform six basic program functions, and clarify roles and structures. Successful SAP's also offer a variety of services to students and parents, are supported by appropriate policy language, provide key staff with appropriate training, result from a conscious implementation plan, involve a joint school/community effort, and address student alcohol/drug problems as 'system issues.' School systems often resemble families affected by drug abuse in exhibiting at least seven traits that render them incapable of dealing effectively with the effects of alcohol/drug dependence. These include failure to recognize the nature and scope of the problem, insufficient knowledge about the problem, concern that acknowledging the problem will damage the school's public image, lack of self-knowledge, rigid and inappropriate responses to the problem, failure to confront persons causing the problem, and acceptance of the entire blame for causing and curing the problem. Suggestions are offered for dealing with these factors. An appended survey form for assessing where a school system stands in relation to alcohol/drug problems.