A comprehensive program providing prevention, intervention, support and instructional services for students in the district. The SAP offers assistance to students troubled by familial, emotional, social, legal, physical, sexual, or substance abuse problems. The SAP serves as a structured, organized liaison among the school, parents and outside agencies.
The Student Assistance process promotes healthy, safe and drug-free life-styles along with strength-based approaches in working with youth. Student Assistance Programs utilize existing resources within the school to address school-based concerns, and link students and their families with community resources to provide for needs requiring specialized services.
What is a Student Assistance Counselor (SAC)?
Student Assistance Counselors are certified with advanced training and experience in the field of substance abuse and mental health. SACs coordinate and oversee the overall components of a Student Assistance Program. SACs are available to provide confidential counseling and referral services for at risk students and their parents. The ultimate goal is to empower students to assist in the development and maintenance of a positive school climate.
Student Assistance Counselors facilitate programming for both parents and students that address issues such as substance abuse prevention and awareness, mental health issues, healthy relationships and coping, student safety, and related topics. SACs serve as liaisons to the Livingston Municipal Alliance Committee (LMAC) and report out on current school programs and supports. SAC’s facilitate CORE committees as a referral process for staff members who identify at-risk students. CORE team develops interventions to address student needs and at-risk behaviors.
Individual/Group Counseling
SACs facilitate individual/group counseling to support issues such as:
Substance Abuse
Mental Health issues
Adjustment issues
Family issues
Social issues
Diversity/tolerance
Eating Disorders
Loss/grief
Referrals made to SAC's and any subsequent information gathered remains confidential.
School Social Worker
Livingston High School
sbenjamin@livingston.org
973-535-8000, x282360
FAX 844-499-0905
Ms. Christie Giacobbe
Student Assistance Counselor
Livingston High School
cgiacobbe@livingston.org
973-535-8000, x6929
FAX 844-499-0905
Parent Programs & Events
October 9, 2025: Technology & Social Media
October 23, 2026: Drug Trends – Understanding the Everchanging Landscape
January 14, 2026: How to Address Perfectionism – Fostering High Standards Without Creating Anxiety
Red Ribbon Week
Each year, Livingston Public Schools celebrates Red Ribbon Week, a campaign to bring awareness around substance abuse prevention, education, and intervention.
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