Substance Abuse Prevention

Substance Abuse Prevention

Student Assistance Programs (SAPs) are a school-based approach to providing focused services to students needing interventions for substance abuse, mental health, academic, emotional, or social issues. They connect education, programs, and services within and across school and community systems, to create a network of supports to help students. The Student Assistance Program is a free and confidential service to all at-risk students and their families. By contract with The Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County, services are provided at targeted schools throughout Saint Lucie County. Referrals to SAPs will be made primarily from the school’s RtI Teams which may include teachers, guidance counselors, and principals, etc. Students and parents may also contact the SAP specialist directly. Children are screened by the SAP specialist to determine eligibility to receive services.

Project SUCCESS (Schools Using Coordinated Community Efforts to Strengthen Students) is a national model program that has been effective in preventing and reducing teen substance use.  Project SUCCESS is a school-based program that works to reduce the factors that put students at risk for substance abuse, while working to enhance the factors that will protect students from the risks. This is accomplished by placing highly trained counselors in schools to provide a full range of substance use prevention and early intervention services. Project SUCCESS Counselors work with students individually and in small groups; conduct classroom presentations; train and consult on prevention issues with school staff and refer and follow up with students and families needing additional services.

Our Counselors

Please contact the Guidance Counselor at your child’s school to determine what services are being provided at their school.