Outside Agencies

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services        781-1700

Drug and Alcohol Involvement in the REACH Process

A Prevention Specialist from Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Inc. is included in the SAP Process by being a liaison with the REACH Team.  When students are referred to the REACH Team, the parents are contacted and updated, and are also included in the process to provide information to the team.  If the parents and/or the SAP Team feel that the student may be experimenting, or using alcohol and/or drugs on a regular basis, the parents may give the team a signed consent for a prevention specialist to meet with the student for an alcohol and/or drug screening assessment.  This assessment is confidential.  If the student agrees to treatment, he/she signs a release for a treatment specialist to meet with him/her to discuss an appropriate level of treatment that will best accommodate the needs of the student. The parents have the right to know if the student has agreed or refused treatment.  Once a student agrees to treatment, however, confidentiality is strictly enforced, and the level of parent involvement is at the discretion of the student.  A signed release by the student is required for the parents to be involved, and the student maintains the right to the level of involvement the parent may have in the treatment process. If the student agrees to treatment, the student has the option of having his/her appointments either at the St. Marys office, or may be seen directly at the school.  Having the treatment specialist in the school provides a more consistent level of treatment for those individuals who would find it difficult to attend the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Inc. office due to time constraints, travel, or other problems that make it difficult for the family to bring the student into the office. 

Dickenson Mental Health                      776-2145

Mental Health Involvement in the REACH Process

The Dickenson Mental Health Center provides the REACH Team with education, consultation and technical assistance in the area of mental health issues as it is an integral part of the state mandated Student Assistance Program.  The mental health liaison attends REACH meetings for the purpose of referrals, case management and follow-up services.  As a member of the REACH Team, the mental health liaison will provide mini student assessments for recommendations and/or supportive counseling if parental permission has been given to do so.  Referral services for students include identification of agencies and/or resources that could serve the needs of identified students and their families.  The provider may assist the student and/or family in linking up with the appropriate services or may act as the liaison between the agency and the school to ensure effective communication.  With parental permission, students may participate in education groups such as anger management groups.  Students who are returning to school after being treated may also receive aftercare services to help them in the transition process.  Dickenson Mental Health will provide educational resources to school personnel, students, families, and the community as requested.