In recognition of the growing problem of substance use and abuse among youth and that the average age of onset of substance use and abuse is middle school age, the purpose of this chapter is as follows:

(1)  To establish a student assistance program in every public junior high/middle school based upon the model currently operating successfully in Rhode Island high schools.

(2)  The student assistance program will address the following areas:

(i)  Identification and supportive services for high risk youth;

(ii)  Primary prevention programming in junior high/middle schools;

(iii)  Assessment and referral services for substance abuse problems;

(iv)  School staff training on integration of prevention/intervention program;

(v)  Parent and community programming for substance abuse prevention;

(vi)  Focused prevention/support groups for high risk youth;

(vii)  Development and integration of school substance abuse policy with prevention/intervention services;

(viii)  To promote integration between student assistance programs and community substance abuse prevention task forces.

(3)  To establish a pilot student assistance program in public elementary schools to the extent that funds are available from the junior high/middle school student assistance fund for that purpose.

(4)  To establish a student assistance program in every public high school to the extent that funds are available.