Student Assistance Services News
September 2023
Accountability: An ally against addiction
Accountability also helps children and teens navigate a variety of life transitions and challenges and has been proven as a protective factor against teen substance use. In the context of substance use prevention, protective factors are personal or environmental characteristics which reduce the likelihood a person will experience problematic substance use. The start of a new school year is a great opportunity to create an accountability plan for your family. Here are some tips to get you started:
How parents can help students stay accountable:
* Set clear expectations about substance use in your household with clear responses for violation of house rules
* Remind your child about the Student Code of Conduct to help clarify expectations at school
* Trust AND verify - Follow up to make sure your child's words and actions match. This will help you identify concerns AND reinforce positive behaviors when you catch them doing something right
* Consider tools like cell phone monitoring apps - These can help set boundaries and assist with accountability on mobile devices and social media. Parenting.com has a list of their top picks
* Periodically check in about your child's observations, thoughts and experiences related to substance use
* Maintain communication with people close to your child. This includes coaches, school staff, spiritual leaders and other parents who can offer insight into your child's strengths and challenges and who may notice changes that indicate a need for support.
Have questions or want more support? Reach out to your school's Student Assistance Specialist.
Upcoming Events
Youth & Family Workshop - Vaping: What Parents Need to Know
Wednesday, September 27th, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Youth & Family Resource Center42055 Gourley Transit Dr., Leesburg VA 20175
Presented by LCPS & the Prevention Alliance of Loudoun
Our Turn to Talk Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Briar Woods High School Auditorium
22525 Belmont Ridge Rd.
Ashburn, VA 20148
This documentary follows five teen storytellers as they explore how mental health intersects with growing up, learning about themselves, and taking a stand in the world. Our Turn to Talk helps equip teens and their families with some of the tools necessary to have conversations about mental health. A panel discussion with LCPS community partners, school-based mental health professionals and student leaders will be held following the film. Watch the trailer
Parent Coffee – Vaping: What Parents Need to Know
Presented by Amy Emery, M.Ed./LPC
Making Headlines...
Student Presentations Discussion Guide
Education and Support Resources
Increase Your Knowledge
Talk. They Hear you. SAMHSA’s national substance use prevention campaign helps parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action.
Safe Storage and Safe Disposal Educational Videos | CADCA
LCPS Parent/Student Substance Use information
LCPS Tobacco and E-Cig Information
Information for Parents and Educators — Science-based information about drug use, health and the developing brain (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
REVIVE naloxone training - Free training to administer naloxone in the event of opioid overdose
Tobacco and Nicotine education, advocacy and cessation resources
Drug Fact Sheets — Drug-specific information, pill identifiers, social media trends (DEA)
Get Smart About Drugs - Drug prevention website from the DEA with resources for parents
Addiction Policy Forum — Provides educational videos and articles
Start Talking Now — Education and tips for parents on talking to their children about substance use
Support for you as a Loved One
Families Against Narcotics — Resources for families
Partnership to End Addiction — Online Support Community for parents/caregivers
Virginia Al-Anon, Loudoun District — Support for family members of someone struggling with addiction (Zoom meetings)
Find an Al-Anon Meeting — Support for children of parents struggling with addiction, (Zoom meetings)
Al-Anon Family Groups — Find online Alateen meetings
Addiction Policy Forum — Help finding and navigating the treatment experience
Find a Treatment Provider
FindTreatment.gov — Find a treatment center — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Substance Abuse and Mental Heath Services Administration National Helpline
Smart Recovery — Online Recovery Community: Self-Management and Recovery Training
Recovery Dharma — Using Buddhist practices and principles to recover from addiction, virtual meetings available
Narcotics Anonymous — Virtual Narcotics Anonymous meetings
Northern Virginia Intergroup — Virtual Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
LCPS School Based Mental Health Services — LCPS listing of community treatment providers
Student Assistance Specialists (SASs) have mental health and substance use expertise. They have Master’s degrees in Social Work or Counseling, and most are licensed by the Virginia Department of Health Professions as Clinical Social Workers, Professional Counselors or Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioners. As Unified Mental Health Team members, Student Assistance Specialists support LCPS initiatives that promote student connectedness, enhance student resilience and educate about mental health and substance use issues. We provide educational presentations for students and parents, restorative practices, individualized and group support, referral services, coordination with providers, staff development and consultation with parents and staff.
To find your school's SAS assignment, visit our website.
All Rights Reserved -- 2023 Loudoun County Public Schools.