Download November 2023 SAP Newsletter
SAP Connection November 2023
A monthly newsletter brought to you by PA Network for Student Assistance Services (PNSAS)
SAP Interagency
Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP)
PA Department of Education (PDE)
Department of Human Services (DHS)
FAQ Corner
Why do we need SAP Team maintenance?
Every team, no matter how functional, should take time to
review how things are going. Celebrate successes, review challenges, update, or
change processes accordingly. Maintenance can include reviewing data and
tweaking things to address the changing needs in our communities. Other times
it may be completing team effectiveness checklists to determine if there are
areas of potential improvement. The
following are excerpts from the SAP Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Document (SAP FAQ) available by clicking here.
14. How is technical assistance provided to SAP teams?
At any point in time, school entities and SAP teams may
contact their SAP Regional Coordinator to request assistance. Also, each year
PNSAS requests SAP team information via survey from each school. This provides
the most up-to-date information on SAP team structure and functioning. Upon
review, SAP Regional Coordinators can offer technical assistance based on any
identified area of need. Additionally, county SAP coordination teams routinely
review local team implementation and extend assistance when needed.
15. What is SAP team maintenance, and how often should
it occur?
Team maintenance includes those activities and processes
designed to support collaborative working relationships, effective team
functioning, and personal wellness among members within the SAP team. Best
practice is for the school entity to provide time for team maintenance at a
minimum once a year. SAP agency liaisons should be included in maintenance
activities. It is advisable for the facilitator to not be a member of the team.
Examples of facilitators include a PNSAS regional coordinator or a Pennsylvania
Approved Student Assistance Training Provider.
For more information on team maintenance options or
technical assistance, contact your SAP Regional Coordinator.
Liaison Corner
Liaison Training: Each county and SAP liaison agency has
their own specific training requirements for their liaisons. PNSAS suggests you
contact your county or agency administrator to discuss what trainings are
required. However, the questions below are excerpts from the Liaison Frequently Asked Questions and will help
guide you in what PNSAS requires and provides.
37. What training is a SAP liaison required to attend?
SAP K-12 training is required for all SAP liaisons and
any additional training required by the County administrators.
38. What type of on-going training is available for
SAP liaisons?
Training availability will vary from county to county.
Optional trainings may include: PNSAS Liaison Networking zoom calls, PASAP
conference (statewide and regional), County SAP Networking, and miscellaneous
DDAP and OMHSAS trainings.
Many liaisons wear multiple hats and therefore it is hard
to have one list of recommended trainings. However, there are opportunities to
gain information from a variety of sources listed above. DDAP has also created
a SAP Liaison Handbook, which is a helpful
resource. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your SAP Regional Coordinator.
News and Information
2023-2024 PDE4092 SAP reporting form is available. Visit
the Safe
Schools website to download the updated form.
SAP Liaison Contacts for Cyber Schoolshas been updatedand is now on the PNSAS
site.
PSA Contest for Youth Suicide Prevention - Prevent
Suicide PA is once again hosting the annual PSA contest for high school
students. Engage students in dialogue around suicide prevention, the importance
of positive messaging, and communicating effectively. Entries for video, audio,
or poster PSAs are due no later than December 15th. Details are now available here.
Children‘s Interagency Conference - The 21st
Children's Interagency Conference is scheduled for April 2024 in State College,
PA. The conference theme is "Shine The Light on Mental Health--Building
Youth Wellness & Resilience." The conference will provide an excellent
opportunity for participants to learn about changing trends, promising and best
practices, resources, and various system of care activities across
Pennsylvania. Please visit the conference
website for more information.
Training Opportunities
SAP Training - For upcoming training opportunities,
click here.
Pennsylvania Association of Student Assistance
Professionals (PASAP) Annual Conference - To be held 2/25/24-2/27/24 inState
College - click here for details.