Student Assistance Teams (SAT)

Professional Teams... Individual Growth

Based on comprehensive needs assessment compiled by CIS staff in each school, a Student Assistance Team (SAT) is formed to deliver the needed supports and resources directly in the schools. Because of the complex and layered problems and concerns of our students and their families, effective intervention responses necessitate an integrated and multi-disciplined approach. Each SAT consists of a CIS staff person, key school staff, social workers, specialized counselors, personnel from public and non-profit partner agencies like Richmond Department of Social Services and other community partners. These representatives from various agencies collaborate to share responsibility for effective service plan management.

Each SAT member brings with them a unique set of skills and expertise that when combined with the efforts of other team members, creates the potential for a real paradigm shift in the way community-based services are offered. All members of the team are recruited for their particular expertise and that of their respective home agency. By bringing resources into the schools, families no longer have to negotiate the maze of public and private agencies often located in different places

The team process looks different from school to school based on the community needs, resources, team composition, expertise and personalities. The CIS staff member at each school serves as the liaison to the CIS of Richmond central office. However, each team member has the responsibility for the functioning of the team and the structure of the team process. All decisions should be made by team consensus, not directive.