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Early Intervention

Substance Abuse Screenings and/or Assessments

ACPS provides screening and assessment with the intent to:

  • Determine whether a student has a mild (low risk), moderate (medium risk), or severe (high risk) form of substance use symptoms
  • Determine whether a student has a full substance use disorder
  • Provide suggestions to parents/guardians and students about the services that best meet the student’s needs
  • Advise SST members and teachers on ways to support the student

If a student needs substance abuse services, he/she may be referred by the Director of Student Services, and/or school administrator. The ACPS certified SA counselor will conduct a screening (Tier 2) and/or assessment (Tier 3) to identify the type of substance(s) involved in the incident, the severity of substance use (mild, moderate, or severe), and the level of treatment/service indicated. Parents and/or guardians must be informed about and consent to the service.

The Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI)

The SASSI institute developed the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI), which is a brief, easily administered psychological questionnaire. This questionnaire is available in both adult and adolescent versions, as well as versions for diverse cultures, including those with disabilities & vocational rehabilitation. As part of the assessment, the student will respond to the SASSI questionnaire. As a result, the student’s responses provide the information to estimate the probability of having a substance use disorder. The SASSI can identify people who may have a Substance Use Disorder with a high degree of accuracy – even when someone is reluctant to self-disclose.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Screening Criteria

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has issued a set of guidelines to screen, assess, and recommend a level of placement criteria for adolescents involved in substance use. Every Tier 3 student who benefits from screening and assessment services will have an assessment under the ASAM criteria areas. After the student receives the assessment, he/she will have a document describing the current level of addiction and respective level of care (services) that the student needs to undergo for rehabilitation. This includes a semi-structured interview based on the 6 ASAM dimensions using the Dimensional Assessment for Patient Placement Engagement & Retention-3/DAPPER questionnaire.

Early Intervention Seminar (Opportunity Seminar)

ACPS provides alternative ways to assist parents and students at low risk of substance use problems. Students and parents/guardians can benefit from monthly seminars to learn about the risk factors associated with student drug use and ways to mitigate them.

APCS Substance Abuse Early Intervention uses an evidence-based substance abuse educational curriculum. Referred students learn about:

  • The laws and social consequences regarding substance use
  • The effects of substances on the body and mind
  • The scope of substance use (self-evaluation)
  • The basic tools to prevent further use by developing an action plan

The Opportunity Seminar is also available in an online format via Canvas. Students in need of substance abuse education will benefit from this program if eligible. Counselors will assist the student and their family throughout the course.

Targeted Case Management

ACPS short-term targeted case management is a service that links students to supports that match their needs, by conducting referral(s) to specialized services in the community, or collaborating with existing services. Short-term case management is limited in time to specific goals and also includes monitoring and consultation for school re-entry cases.

Clinical Consultations

A certified Substance Abuse Counselor and Board Registered Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) is available for clinical and educational consultation to all ACPS teachers, administrators, parents, and student support teams. The Substance Abuse counselor also provides consultation at disciplinary hearings and school attendance panel hearings. If an ACPS member has a concern or would like to consult on a case, the Substance Abuse counselor is available to provide support and assistance.