The Alcohol and Drug Youth Services School Resource Program is a partnership between Fairfax County Schools, Safe and Drug-Free Youth Section and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Alcohol and Drug Youth Services. Eight ADYS School Resource Specialists work in FCPS. Each cluster has one School Resource Specialist. Our primary goal is to help at risk students succeed academically and socially by addressing any concerns related to drug and/or alcohol use. The School Resource 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 may 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 decline 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 or alcohol. It is a preliminary step to determine if the student may need a more formal assessment. In other circumstances, the parent can request the formal assessment without the child being seen. If it is determined that a formal assessment is needed, the school resource staff will work with the family to arrange an appointment at ADYS. The assessment for school referrals is free of charge. The parent accompanies his or her child to the assessment where the counselor will gather information from the student and family about major life areas and details of their substance use/abuse history. Additionally, a free drug screening will be provided. If upon completion of the assessment it is decided that treatment is necessary, it is at the family's discretion to determine if they will follow through with recommendations.

Parents, school staff, students or any interested party may also call at any time with questions regarding drugs and/or alcohol.