Students Get Credit for Treatment

Students in Lincoln, Nebraska, who attend public schools have easy access to an assistance program that offers school credit to those who complete treatment for alcohol and drug problems.

Each of the Lincoln public middle and high schools has a School Community Intervention Program (SCIP) Team, composed of an administrator, nurse, counselors and several teachers. The participating teachers and staff are trained in identification and intervention strategies. Students may be referred to the SCIP team by teachers, parents or other students. In Lincoln last year, there were 2200 SCIP referrals across the district.

SCIP is a student assistance program, rather than a punitive program, so those concerned about a student may be more inclined to refer. For about one-third of referrals, no action is taken. Another third of the referrals may uncover any number of problems that need attention. The remaining referrals are generally connected to an issue with alcohol or drugs.

According to Sara Wolter, assistant director of the SCIP program, students in this final third may be offered an assessment. The school's SCIP Team provides parents with the names of local agencies for that service. Parents can choose the agency they want to use, choose not to participate, or decide to handle the situation privately.

Local treatment agencies agree to assess SCIP referred students for no charge. Ms Wolter said the agencies donate these assessment services because this is recognized as a community problem -- not just a school problem, or a family problem.

If the agency recommends treatment, the family decides how to proceed. They may have to work with insurers or make other arrangements to pay for recommended treatment. With parental support, the agency shares recommendations based on the assessment with the schools.

The Lincoln Public Schools offer an incentive for students and their parents to continue through the process. Once the student completes outpatient, inpatient or evening care treatment, the treatment agency notifies the SCIP team, and if guidelines are met, the student will receive 5 credits. Lincoln Public Schools have created a course number and generic course name that does not raise flags on students' permanent records. Returning students can also participate in reintegration and support groups for the semester and earn another 2 credits.

SCIP started in Lincoln Public High Schools 21 years ago when a physician whose son completed a course of treatment found there was no support for his son's recovery when he returned to school. Because of the Lincoln Medical Education Partnership's interest in responding to family health issues, LMEP's administration, the concerned physician, and the school system created an appropriate method for SCIP to function and grow.

In the first 5 years of its existence, the SCIP program expanded to middle, elementary and post-secondary schools, including public and non-public schools in the network, and to schools beyond Lincoln. There are now 150 SCIP programs operating in Nebraska schools. This program is not mandated, and not all schools with SCIP programs offer credits for completion of treatment or for reintegration and support.

The SCIP program, through the Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, runs training sessions for SCIP teams and schools around the state, as well as regular visits and communications.

(4/23/2004)