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FCPS Alcohol and Drug Youth Services Student Assistance Program Available

posted Dec 14, 2010, 11:44 AM by HSS PTSA Webmaster   [ updated Dec 14, 2010, 12:04 PM ]
The Alcohol and Drug Youth Services (ADYS) Student Assistance Program is a partnership between Fairfax County Public Schools' Safe and Drug-Free Youth Office and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Alcohol and Drug Youth Services. The primary goal is to help at-risk students succeed academically and socially by addressing any concerns related to drug and/or alcohol use. The team provides substance abuse prevention, intervention, education, consultation and treatment referral services for students and their families. 

The referral process is simple and free. Teachers, administrators, social workers or other professional staff can refer identified students and their families. Additionally, parents may refer their child directly for an initial screening if they: 
  • Have found their child under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol 
  • Suspect their child might be using alcohol or drugs 
  • Have found their child with drug paraphernalia 
  • Have seen a change in their child’s attitude, behavior and/or school performance 
  • Want to know if substance use/abuse is contributing to their child’s problems 
  • Want to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance abuse
When a student participates in a screening at school by the Substance Abuse Counselor, it may involve a brief conversation to determine if a student has used, or is currently using, drugs and/or alcohol. It is a preliminary step to determine if the student may need a more formal drug assessment. In other circumstances, the parent can request a formal assessment without the child being seen. If it is determined that a formal assessment is needed, the counselor will work with the family to arrange an appointment at ADYS.

Assessments for school referrals is free of charge and all information is confidential. The parent accompanies his or her child to the assessment where the counselor gathers information from the student and family about major life areas including details of their substance use/abuse history. Additionally, a free urine drug screen will be provided. If treatment is necessary upon completion of the assessment, it is at the family’s discretion to determine if they will follow through with recommendations. There is no obligation to follow through; however the family now has all information necessary to make an informed decision regarding treatment options for their adolescent.

Please note that all referrals are kept confidential! Information is only released when proper consent is given. For more information on the program, please call or email Devin McKenzie at 703-219-2374 or at dmmckenzie2@fcps.edu with any questions.
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