Student Assistance Network

The New Hampshire Student Assistance Network (The Network) develops, aligns, and promotes Student Assistance Programs (SAP) based on the nationally recognized, evidence-based Project SUCCESS. In collaboration with the NH Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services, The Network continues to support SAPs by providing:

• group and individual technical assistance,

• a Community of Practice learning collaborative, and

• support with evaluation and sustainability planning.

The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is well integrated into the overall social and emotional support system for students and their parents in a school environment. The SAP uses a team approach and is led by a specially trained student assistance counselor who has experience working with adolescents on early identification and intervention for substance misuse and mental health. Other members of the SAP team include behavioral health school staff, school health and wellness teams, and partnerships with local prevention and behavioral health providers and regional prevention coalitions. The student assistance counselor implements Project SUCCESS and coordinates prevention and early intervention resources to reduce barriers to learning for students in New Hampshire Schools.

Project SUCCESS —Schools Using Coordinated Community Efforts to Strengthen Students— is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as an effective evidence-based program to prevent and reduce substance use among youth ages 12 to 18. Project SUCCESS is a multi-pronged approach, providing education and support at various levels to individuals and families.

Essential activities include:

• School-wide awareness activities for the school community and families about substance use and mental health resources to promote wellness and avoid high risk behavior, as well as where to go for help.

• Prevention Education Series for students in at least one grade about mental health, alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and other drugs.

• Parent programs with information about ways they can support their child through healthy adolescent development.

• Professional development and consultation for school staff to increase staff confidence and strategies for promoting wellness, identifying and addressing risk factors for early substance use.

• Confidential student assessment for substance use and other behavioral health problems that contribute to poor school performance.

• Individual and group counseling to provide support for needs identified in the assessment.

• Referral to community organizations when students need additional support outside of the school-based resources.