Helping Our People Excel Safely

Recognizing that students are at risk, the Daniel Boone Area School District has committed itself to a program which is intended to provide a means to identify students who are at risk, and afford them appropriate resources to resolve their problems.  This commitment takes form of the HOPES Team.

What is the HOPES Team?

The HOPES Team is a program whose purpose is to identify students who are having concerns or issues in school because of drugs, alcohol, or steroid abuse, personal and/or family issues, or suffers from depression.  The HOPES Team is an Intervention not a treatment program.  Students who are identified are then referred to appropriate agencies for help.  The team provides the student and his or her family with information and resources to help the student understand and resolve the problem.

The HOPES Team is comprised of teachers, administrators, counselors, the school nurse, and a representative from the Caron Treatment Center.  HOPES Team members have undergone special training to work with these students. 

Why Are Student Assistance Programs Important?

The primary responsibility of the school is to educate students.  A student who is under the influence of, or dependent upon a chemical substance has a difficult time learning.  The learning atmosphere of the school can be disrupted by students who are under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol.

School is the only institution through which all students must pass.  This provides the school staff with an opportunity to observe and identify students who might be involved with controlled substances or who are experiencing depression.  The HOPES Team serves as a resource for school staff, students, and community by providing referral services for assessment and treatment programs.

How Does A Student Come To the Attention Of The HOPES Team?

An at-risk student may be referred to the HOPES Team in several ways.  The student himself may seek help from the HOPES Team.  Family, friends, school staff, or any concerned person may indicate to the team that a problem may exist.  Referral information is available in the school guidance office and nurse’s office. When a student comes to the attention of the HOPES Team, the team will gather information to determine the extent of the problem.  The team will make a decision regarding the appropriate course of action.

All referrals and other data collected by the HOPES Team regarding a student will be kept in strict confidence.  All decisions will be made with the student’s best interest in mind.  Every effort will be made to involve the student’s family in the decision making process.  Appropriate community based agencies will also be consulted. 

Program Information and Resources

Persons who desire more information about the HOPES Team should not hesitate to contact their child’s guidance counselor by calling 610-689-6311. 

Below is a list of community based resources and treatment centers located in Berks County.

Berks County Children and Youth Services	610-478-6700
Berks Women in Crisis	610-372-9540
Caron Counseling Services	610-678-2332
PA Child Abuse Hotline	1-800-932-0313
Council on Chemical Abuse	610-376-8669
Family Guidance Center	610-374-4963
Center for Mental Health at the Reading Hospital	610-988-8070
Reading Hospital 24-HR Addiction Hotline	610-988-8186
Poison Control	1-800-222-1222
Service Access & Management	610-236-0530
AL-ANON	www.al-anon.org
COCA	www.councilonchemicalabuse.org
Berks Talkline	1-800-472-TALK www.berks-talkline.org