Help for administrators and educators

When you intervene early for students who are struggling, whether with behavioral problems, grades, or other life challenges, you can help keep issues from escalating and prevent students from falling further behind.

Call 800-236-3231 to speak with an Account Executive.

What to look out for

It can be hard to recognize when issues go beyond what's normal for an individual student. You may want to consider making an SFAP referral when you notice unusual performance, conduct, or behavioral problems like:

  • Acting out in class
  • Frequent tardiness or absences, or danger of truancy
  • Neglectful attitude toward schoolwork or extracurricular activities
  • Sudden decline in grades
  • Irritability and mood swings
  • Conflicts with peers or teachers

How to make a referral

Depending on the situation and your relationship with the student and his or her family, you can choose to make:

  • A voluntary referral, in which the parent agrees to contact the SFAP at your request
  • An administrative referral, in which you make the referral directly to the SFAP

A voluntary referral may be best when a problem is caught early, or when the goal is to proactively address a potential issue. An administrative referral is usually made for more severe issues or complex cases.

  1. In the case of a voluntary referral, the school may prepare a release form by printing the names of the student and parent, then ask the parent to sign the form. The school will then fax the completed release to our SFAP at 414-760-5418. Parents and legal guardians may also reach out directly to SFAP counselors, even without school staff involvement.
  2. In the case of an administrative referral, the school will contact their SFAP Account Executive at 800-236-3231 and provide referral information, or fax a completed referral form to our SFAP at 414-760-5418.
  3. The parent or legal guardian should then call our SFAP Intake at 800-236-3231 during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm CST) to schedule the initial appointment.
  4. If a release of information form is signed after the first appointment, the SFAP counselor will report the student's attendance and discuss any future coordination with the school, if needed.
  5. The SFAP counselor may request additional releases to provide more information and coordinate with the school, when needed.

SFAP Release of Information Form – Attendance [PDF]
SFAP Administrative Referral Form [PDF]