The New Jersey Senate unanimously passed legislation today, sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-30) and Assemblyman Joseph Malone (R-30), that would change the statutory reference of “substance awareness coordinator” to “student assistance coordinator” in drug and alcohol abuse programs in public schools.
Singer stated, “Many children are self-conscious merely about the shoes they wear or the car their parents drive. For them, participating in so-called “substance abuse program” generates even greater insecurities about how they will be treated by their peers, so they may be reluctant to seek help. This bill should help relieve some of the stress and social stigma by not calling attention to the substance abuse portion of the counselors mission.”
Under current law each board of education is required to establish a comprehensive substance abuse intervention, prevention and treatment referral program in the public elementary and secondary schools of the district. The purpose of the program is to identify students who are substance abusers, assess the extent of these pupils’ involvement with these substances, and refer students and their families to organizations for treatment.
Changing the name from “substance awareness coordinator” to “student assistance coordinator” more accurately reflects the job responsibilities of these individuals, which include crisis intervention and social and emotional learning and counseling.
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