Heart Team
Overview
What is H.E.A.R.T?
Helping Each Adolescent Reach Tomorrow
HEART is the name used to describe the Student Assistance Program (SAP) which is made up of trained school personnel within the district as well as an assessor from Pennsylvania Counseling Services. (Brochures are available in the guidance office)
Who can make a referral?
Faculty, staff, parents, coaches, peers, or counselors can openly or anonymously refer a student to the program.
What kind of behaviors or issues would suggest a referral?
- Teen pregnancy
- Illness or death of a loved one
- Divorce
- Mental health issues
- Violent relationships
- Sexuality
- Talk of self-injury/suicide
- Drug use/abuse
- Withdraw from friends/family
- Absenteeism
- Sleeping in class
- Frequent illness
- Drop-in grades
- Emotional difficulties/aggression/depression/lying
- Sudden change in friends/appearance
What happens once a student is referred and parent permission is received?
- The team collects information from teachers about the student's observable behaviors and school performance. The team will also contact the parent(s) to discuss home observations, a child's strengths, and concerns.
- The team will develop a plan of action to help remove barriers to learning. A plan might include services or activities through the school or community.
- The team will continue to offer support through follow-up services and updates in progress.
- The information collected is confidential and only shared among the HEART team.