Éducation

Policy 1006 - Substance Abuse

Print Version: Policy No. 1006 Substance Abuse

Date Passed: November 30, 2004

Legislation:
Youth Criminal Justice Act
Education Act
Controlled Drugs & Substances Act

Cross Reference:
1005 School Locker Use and Locker Searches
1007 Police Investigations in Schools/Drug Free Protocol - Under Review

Purpose and Principles

The Department of Education supports:

A drug and alcohol free school environment that provides the best possible learning environment.
Working together with parents, teachers, First Nations, school council and community members to create safe and healthy schools.
Efforts to prevent and intervene in substance abuse among students which includes the development and delivery of educational resources, the promotion of prevention programs, and the implementation of school and community-based efforts aimed at supporting students known to abuse or who have abused alcohol or illegal substances.
The prohibition of the use or possession of alcohol or other illegal substances on school property or during school-authorized trips or activities. Violations are subject to disciplinary action and, if necessary, police involvement.

Definitions

The word substance refers to:

alcohol, including beer, wine, cider or spirits, and/or
drugs which are prohibited under the Controlled Drugs & Substances Act, or anything which contains such a substance, unless the person possessing or consuming the restricted substance is authorized to possess the substance.

Guidelines and Procedures

The administrator or designate must consider police assistance where students are suspected of supplying illegal substances or alcohol to others or where the health or safety of individuals is in jeopardy.
A student who is suspected or obviously under the influence of alcohol or other drugs in the school, on school property or while attending a school-sponsored activity may require immediate protective attention. Staff must determine if there is risk to students or property and take appropriate action.
Staff members who suspect student use of alcohol or illegal drugs must report that student to the administrator or designate. The administrator or designate will determine appropriate action that may include informing the parents/guardians and the police.
If the administrator, designate or counsellor determines that illegal drugs or alcohol are the cause of unacceptable behaviour, the administrator will determine appropriate action. This may include counselling and therapy by qualified school personnel and community agencies, and/or disciplinary action.
When it is reported that a student is placing him/herself or others at risk by habitually abusing alcohol or illegal substances, the school counsellor shall collaborate with the administrator or designate and parents to develop an intervention and support plan which, taking into account the age and individual circumstances of the student, may include one or more of the following:
1. an interview with the student to determine the level of abuse;
2. referral to community or government agencies for further assessment or ongoing counselling and support;
3. recommendation of possible community support services to the parents or guardians of the student.

Administrator’s Duties

When there is reason to believe a student is or has been using alcohol or illegal substances, the administrator or designate shall interview the student to determine the validity of the information.
The administrator or designate will determine the course of action according to the policies developed and approved by the school council and school administration.
The student will be asked to produce any illegal or prohibited substances in his/her possession or in his/her locker.
The administrator or designate will notify the student's parents or guardians.
When necessary and in the presence of another staff member, the administrator or designate may conduct a search of the student's person and property for illegal or prohibited substances. The school administrator shall use the most reasonable, least intrusive method possible in searching the student and any property in the student's possession.
As per Policy 1005, School Locker Use and Locker Searches, in those instances where reasonable grounds exists, the student’s locker may be searched for illegal substances.
The administrator or designate may notify the R.C.M.P. and seek their assistance.
If the student is uncooperative regarding searches (sections 5, 6), the administrator or designate may take appropriate disciplinary measures.
If the administrator or designate determines that a student is in possession of alcohol or any illegal substance as defined, the administrator:
1. may notify the police;
2. may suspend the student.
If the administrator or designate determines that a student or other person is involved in trafficking, selling or distributing alcohol or any illegal substance as defined, the administrator: a) must consider notifying the police; b) must consider suspending the student.