Peggy Cole, LCPC, is Herndon's Substance Abuse
Counselor. She can be reached at (703) 810-2484 or via
mail: peggy.cole@fcps.edu. Below
is a description of the program and how it can be used by Herndon
students and their families. Please note that all referrals are
kept CONFIDENTIAL!
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.
**** Please note that all referrals are kept CONFIDENTIAL! Information
is only released when proper consent is given. Please call Peggy
Cole at 703-810-2484 with any questions.