Substance Abuse Regulations #5190 Staff Training Information

1. Substance Abuse Regulations #5190 Staff Training Information N.J.S.A. 18A: 40A-12 Howell Township Public Schools By Tom Letson, Student Assistance Coordinator

2. Two Distinct Scenarios for Staff: • Identification and intervention of pupils suspected of being under the influence of a substance at school (or at a school-sponsored function) • Identification and intervention of pupils involved with substances but not suspected of being under the influence of a substance at school (or at a school-sponsored function)

3. Substance Abuse Procedure for StaffWhat happens when a student is suspected of being under the influence at school (or at a school-sponsored function) • Staff has reasonable suspicion that a student may be under the influence of a substance. • Staff calls nurses station to inform of suspicion and Nurse calls administrator and SAC to inform. • Student is escorted to nurses station by administrator, SAC or other staff. • Nursing staff completes nursing assessment to determine if student needs emergency medical attention. • Parent is summoned to school and is informed of requirement to have student receive medical examination to determine if he/she is under the influence. District requires the medical examination include a physical exam and urine drug screen. • Student returns to school after 24 hrs with proof the medical exam was completed with the results pending. • If negative results are received the student remains in school. • If positive results are received the student is immediately returned to the care of his/her parents and must receive medical clearance from a physician indicating that substance use no longer interferes with the student’s ability to mentally and physically perform in school and may return. • If positive results are received the student also serves a suspension determined by the building principal. • After return from suspension with medical clearance, the student is interviewed by the SAC to determine if the student’s substance use warrants a referral to outside counseling agency.

4. If Staff Has Reasonable Suspicion the Student MUSTbe sent out for a Medical Examination Nursing Staff DOES NOT Determine Whether the Student is Under the Influence: • Commissioner of Education Decision Ruling on 9-21-00 made it clear that under N.J.S.A. 18 A: 40A-12 that:   • “ an administrator must act once a student has been reported. i.e., once a staff member advises the designated administrator of his or her belief that the student is under the influence of alcohol or drugs…” David C. HespeFormer Commissioner

5. It’s not “is” but “appears” “…it must be emphasized that, a staff member need not be certain that a studentisunder the influence of alcohol or drugs, but need only have made a reasonable judgment, based upon symptoms and indicators, that he or she has observed in the student and articulated to the designated administrator, that the student appears to be under such influence.” Commissioner Hespe, 9-21-00

6. What Does All this Mean for Staff? The State Substance Abuse Code: • is intended to provide a safety net for students. • it acknowledges that most students referred will probably not be found to be under the influence. • it errs on the side of safety for all students so that no student falls through the cracks.

7. So…there’s no middle ground! • Be sure you have a reasonable suspicion. • Reasonable suspicion is based on knowing the signs and indicators of substance use. • If you observe suspicious behavior, engage the student in conversation and make your decision. • Remember: Your decision is final.

8. Signs a Student May Be Under the Influence OBSERVED APPEARANCEOBSERVED BEHAVIOR • _____ SMELLING OF ALCOHOL _____ INAPPROPRIATE OUTBURSTS • _____ SMELLING OF MARIJUANA _____ INAPPROPRIATE CRYING • _____ INHALANTS: (MARKER/WHITE OUT NEAR NOSE _____ SEVERE MOOD SWINGS • _____ EYES _____ GLASSY _____ BLOODSHOT _____ SLURRED SPEECH • _____ PUPILS: __DILATED __ CONSTRICTED _____ UNUSUALLY OVER TALKATIVE • _____ NOSE: UNEXPLAINED BLEEDING _____ INCOHERENT • _____ DREAMY, BLANK EXPRESSION _____ INABILITY TO RESPOND • _____ SUSPICIOUS SKIN PUNCTURES/NEEDLE MARKS _____ DEPRESSED MOOD • _____ MOBILITY PROBLEMS _____ FLUSHED FACE • _____ SLEEPING IN CLASS • _____ TREMBLING • Suggestion: • Notice a sign • Talk to the Student • Make Your Decision

9. Document, Document, Document! • Staff who suspect a student may be under the influence of a substance must document that suspicion and forward to the building principal. • Please keep a copy!

10. Signs a Pupil May be Involved with Substances(but not suspected of being under the influence at school ) -Drug-related clothing, book covers, drawings -Drug talk or appears knowledgeable on drug use -Gradual, uncharacteristic fatigue-Gradual, uncharacteristic poor hygiene-Associating with high school aged peer group-Loss of interest in previous pleasurable activities-Chronic tardiness or absenteeism-Chronic failing grades despite interventions-Chronic, uncharacteristic defiance of school rules-Chronic, uncharacteristically short-tempered If suspicious: Refer to SAC

11. Staff is Held Harmless: “Any staff member who refers a student pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A: 40A-12 in good faith, provide that skill and care given is that ordinarily required and exercised by other staff members, is help harmless for that action.” Commissioner Hespe 9-21-00