CONTENTS

Foreword by the Minister of Education………...........................................................3

Preface...........................................................................................................................4

Principles.......................................................................................................................4

Aims of the Procedures .................................................................................................6

Introduction...................................................................................................................71. What are these Substance Abuse Procedures? ..................................................72. Who should use SAP?.......................................................................................73. When does one use SAP? ................................................................................84. How does one use SAP? ...................................................................................8

Definition of Terms.......................................................................................................9i. Substance......................................................................................................................9ii. Focal Person .................................................................................................................9iii. Head of School.............................................................................................................9iv. Parents .........................................................................................................................10v. Students .......................................................................................................................10vi. School Staff .................................................................................................................10vii. sedqa ........................................................................................................................... 10viii. Malta Police Force ...................................................................................................... 10

Overview of Procedures ...............................................................................................11

Procedures....................................................................................................................12Procedure A Substance Found.................................................................................................12Procedure A1 User is a Student .................................................................................................13Procedure A2 User is a Member of Staff...................................................................................14Procedure A3 User is neither a student nor a member of staff ..................................................15Procedure B Strong Suspicions that a student or staff is abusing substances..........................16

SAP Receipt ........................................................................................................................17

SAP Form............................................................................................................................18

The Recovery Position .......................................................................................................19

List of Contact Persons......................................................................................................20

FOREWORDDR. LOUIS GALEA B.A., LL.D., MPMINISTER OF EDUCATION

Society today has become veryconscious of the problem ofsubstance abuse. This increasedcollective awareness embraces notonly illicit drugs but also legalsubstances such as alcohol andtobacco. The problem of substanceabuse cannot be kept outside thatmicrocosm of society that is ourschools.

As schools are an integral part ofsociety, they cannot be presumedimmune to the ways of the world.Although one cannot, by any means,argue that the problem of substanceabuse in our schools is widespread,nonetheless, even a single caseshould be treated with the utmostsensitivity and discretion.

This document concerns the abuseof illicit substances in schools. Ithas been formulated by the Ministryof Education in close collaborationwith sedqa, the Education Division,and the Malta Police Force. It ismeant to be a helping tool forteachers and schools administrators.Parents, students and all otherstakeholders in our educationalsystem have to be made aware ofthe scope and nature of suchprocedures.

Identifying a substance abuseproblem in its earlier stages may bethe least painful and hence mostprofitable way to combat substanceabuse. It is our mission to protectour schools from becoming a drughaven by virtue of being prepared.

While these procedures may seemprescriptive and uncompromisingtowards substance abuse, they arethe means by which effective andtimely help can be provided toabusers while at the same timeensuring a safe school environment.

I sincerely hope that this documentalong with the ones in the areas ofChild Abuse and Anti-Bullying willserve to render our schools moreconscious of their roles in society.The schools that will take these tasksto heart will not only be rendering aservice to their students and staffbut will also be helping our societyto become a much-desired inclusivesociety.

PREFACE

The initiative for the formulation ofthe Substance Abuse Procedures(SAP) for schools, was taken, in early1999, by the Minister of Education,the Hon. Dr Louis Galea. The Hon.Minister for Social Policy, DrLawrence Gonzi, supported this ideaand, together, they entrusted thetask to an inter-ministerial teamcomposed of representatives ofsedqa – agency against drug andalcohol abuse, the Ministry ofEducation, the Education Divisionand the Police.

The immediate concern of this teamwas to identify the possible scenariosthat may be faced by schools and toformulate relevant procedures; theteam’s primary goal being tosafeguard schools from substanceabuse.

A thorough drafting process ought toensure the production of aprofessional but user-friendly toolfor schools.

The procedures are to be followed byschools whenever a substance isfound within the school boundariesor when someone is suspected ofusing illegal substances. This packincludes the procedures, calledSubstance Abuse Procedures, or SAPfor short, complete with instructionsfor their use. This document alsocomprises the Principles, the policyin the form of step-by-stepprocedures, a list of importantdefinitions, and a list of contactpersons their telephone numbers andaddresses. Also included in the packare copies of the SAP form to becompleted when a case occurs andincorporated is a booklet withinformation on the most commonillegal drugs, entitled Tajjeb li tkun

taf, and short notes on first aidtechniques related to substanceabuse.

Most important is the availability ofthe facility of a helpline and aqualified Focal Person to helpschools with the administration ofthe procedures.

The provisions of this policy shallapply to all educationalestablishments in Malta and Gozothat cater for students up to the ageof eighteen including those providingresidential care facilities for minors.

the drafting team

Mr Frank MifsudMr Edmund PaceMinistry of Education

Ms Mona VellaEducation OfficerGuidance and CounsellingEducation Division

Ms Sina BugejaChief ExecutiveSedqa – Agency againstDrug and Alcohol Abuse

Mr Michael CassarAssistant Commissionerof PoliceMalta Police Force

PRINCIPLES

″As key institutions within civil society, schools shouldfoster among their students respect for others, and forthe right of other people to enjoy freedom, peace,security and the benefits of a society governed by lawand order.″

(Creating the Future Together - National Minimum Curriculum,Ministry of Education, 1999, p.24)

1. Students have a right to a safeeducational environment that isconducive to learning andpromotes a healthy life-style.

2. Children have a right toprotection from any forms ofabuse.

3. It is therefore the obligation ofall school staff to ensure a safeenvironment to students and toprotect them from abuse.

4. Substance abuse harmsstudents, threatens the safetyof the environment, anddisrupts the educationalprocess.

5. Substance abuse is nottolerated in schools.

6. It is the duty and obligation ofschool staff to take allnecessary measures to prevent,curb and eradicate substanceabuse in schools.

7. The established disciplinary andcriminal procedures are to beapplied in cases of substanceabuse in schools.

8. Any student or adult abusing orsuspected of abusingsubstances is to be offeredcare.

AIMS OF THE PROCEDURES

The overall aim of these procedures is to protect students from substanceabuse in schools.

In particular they aim:

• To provide educational and carepersonnel with a practical toolthat enables them to intervenein an appropriate manner whensubstance is found or used inschools.

• To ensure that the environmentof schools is kept safe andsubstance abuse free

• To prevent any risk and harm tostudents and other individualsthat may result from substanceabuse

• To inform students, theirparents, and others, about theposition to be taken by theschool in situations of whensubstance is found or abused inschools.

INTRODUCTION

1. What are these SubstanceAbuse Procedures?Substance Abuse procedures, SAPfor short, are a set of easy-to-follow, step-by-step proceduresthat should be adopted byeducational establishmentswhenever there is a problemconcerning substance1 abuse.They have been designed with thespecific aim of helping educationalpersonnel to deal with substanceabuse in all educationalestablishments including thoseproviding residential care facilitiesfor minors. SAP was constructedafter a series of consultations withexperts in the field. Theseprocedures should provide apositive tool for teachers, headteachers, support staff and all thepersons involved in the educationalsystem. Therefore, you areadvised to read, examine andthoroughly discuss the contents ofthis manual. By doing this, you willbe fully prepared for suchsituations and be able to dealefficiently, effectively, and with theutmost speed and discretion thatthis delicate issue demands.Should you, during the process ofreading, familiarising yourself withor using SAP, encounter problems,or feel the need for clarificationsregarding any part of this manual,do not hesitate to contact the FocalPerson2.

1 A definition of “substance” can be foundin the section Definition of Terms.2 A definition of “Focal Person” can befound to the section Definition of Terms.

2. Who should use SAP?All those concerned with the well-being of students shouldfamiliarise themselves with theseprocedures. This process shouldbe spearheaded by the Head ofSchool3 who is ultimatelyresponsible for their effectiveimplementation and supported bythe teachers and all the other staffworking in the school. It is theresponsibility of the Head of schoolto see to it that these proceduresare put into practice. However, anymember of staff who feels that theHead of school is notadministering the procedures asthey should be has the moral andexecutive duty to take thenecessary steps himself/herself.Furthermore, parents should alsobe aware of SAP so that, if needsbe, they can use the informationcontained here to deal with theissue themselves. TheseProcedures are binding and shouldnot leave scope for inaction thatcould seriously damage thechildren’s well being and endangerthe school’s ethos and reputation.Moreover, neglecting serious casesof abuse means neglecting one'sprofessional duties. Thus, it isimperative that educators take theappropriate action. Disciplinaryaction by the Education Divisionmay be taken against a member ofstaff who fails to follow theseprocedures. When in doubtcontact the Focal Person for adviceand guidance.

3 A definition of “Head of school” can befound in the section Definition of Terms.

3. When does one use SAP?SAP should be followed when:

a substance is found onthe school premises; or,

there is a disclosure orstrong suspicionthat someone maybe abusing drugs.

These are very serious cases and itis essential to follow theprocedures carefully and calmly.Such problems should be givenpriority above all else and be dealtwith on the same day.

4. How does one use SAP?SAP have been devised in very clearand simple terms to facilitate theiruse by all staff. In using theseprocedures, one must first of alldistinguish between two types ofsituations:

Situation A: When an illegalsubstance or substance-related paraphernalia isindeed found on the schoolpremises. In such situationsone should always followProcedure A and then,depending on who theperson using the substance

is, choose between eitherProcedure A1 or A2 or elseA3.

Situation B: When there is adisclosure, or a strongsuspicion that someone hasused an illegal substance,Procedure B should befollowed.

Following the procedures, you willfind the SAP Form that should befilled-in when the procedure asksfor together with an envelopemarked SAP Envelope that is to beused to seal the substance found.The SAP Form is to be used alsowhen following procedure B even ifno substance is found. A SAPreceipt is also provided and thisshould be filled in and filed forfurther reference.

There is also a guide to basictechniques that may be used incases where first aid is required.Please follow these carefully sinceproperly- and timely- administeredFirst Aid techniques may save alife.

Should you have any queries onhow to use these Procedures or onwhat to do next, be calm, thinkclearly, and to consult the FocalPerson.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

There are some very importantterms that need defining to avoidmisconceptions andmisinterpretations. It is advisablethat this section be consultedduring the administration of theprocedures so that no mistakes aremade that may be regretted later.

i. SUBSTANCEThis may be any materialsuspected to have a mind-alteringeffect on the user, such as drugsthat may be administered orally,inhaled, sniffed, takenintravenously or smoked.Substance abuse may also beindicated by the presence of drug-abuse related paraphernalia suchas: syringes, tweezers, burntspoons, pieces of lemon, citricacid, plastic bottles, small papersachets, small pieces of aluminiumfoil, cigarette paper, blades andany other item that may besuspected to have been used forthe abuse of drugs. Furtherdescription of the most importantillegal substances may be found inthe publication Tajjeb li tkun tafenclosed with this document.

ii. FOCAL PERSONThis is the officer at the centrallevel, or if absent his/her

substitute, responsible for the co-ordination and organisation of theSAP and based within theEducation Division, Department forStudent Services, with whom allcases are logged and ongoingcollaboration maintained. ThisFocal Person will provide help andconsultation for those who mayhave difficulties and doubts aboutadministering SAP. The telephonenumber of the Focal Person [i.e. 21231567 should only be used inconnection with SAP and not forany other matter.

iii. HEAD OF SCHOOLThis is the person who isresponsible for the dailyadministration of the school andincludes any other person who hasthe responsibility of the school inthe absence of the incumbent.However, any member of staff whofeels that the Head of school is notadministering these procedureshas the moral and executive dutyto inform the Focal person. For thepurpose of this policy document,‘Head’ refers as well to personsresponsible for managingeducational establishmentsproviding residential care facilitiesand also to those persons incharge of post-secondaryeducational institutions.

iv. PARENTSThis document considers parentsto be the legal guardians of thechild in question, whether they arethe biological, adoptive, or fosterparents or legal guardians. Singleparents who have full custody ofthe children will be held fullyresponsible for the purposes ofthese procedures while thoseholding joint custody will be heldjointly responsible.

v. STUDENTSStudents, and/or pupils, are thosepersons registered as studentswith any educationalestablishments including thoseproviding residential care facilitiesfor minors that also provideeducation.

vi. SCHOOL STAFFThe school staff includes all thepersons who are listed on theattendance sheets of schools andother educational establishmentsincluding those providingresidential care facilities. Itcomprises all teachers, includingsubject teachers, peripateticteachers, class teachers, as well asthose performing special duties inthe school, such as complementaryeducation teachers, guidanceteachers and school counsellors,librarians and administrative staff.

The support staff cannot beconsidered to be exempt from theobligations of this Policy. Supportstaff includes clerks, watchperson,cleaners, messengers and anyother category. Educational socialworkers, school psychologists,therapists and other staff from theStudent Services Department, aswell as the Education Officers andstaff in similar positions areconsidered as being school stafffor the purposes of this policy.

vii. sedqasedqa agency against drug andalcohol abuse is the governmentagency that has the responsibilityof providing preventive, treatmentand care services in the field ofsubstance abuse. The proceduresspecifically require that this agencybe informed about cases that arepresent in every school so thatpreventive and/or care interventiveactions take place.

viii. MALTA POLICE FORCEThe Drugs Squad of the MaltaPolice Force shall be the only Policeentity to be involved in schoolsubstance abuse cases. Therefore,when reporting a case to the Policeyou are asked to contact the DrugsSquad only and no other policeunit.

Overview of Procedures

* IMPORTANT

All information should be handled in strictest

confidence and should NOT be disclosed anyone who is

not specified in these procedures.

Staff to Report to Head of school on the same day.

Consult Focal Person on 21 231567

Focal Person to Call a Case Conference

Fill in SAP Form and send a copy to the Focal Person.

Procedure B:

Disclosures,

Strong Suspicions

Important Information *

Focal Person to get feedback from Police and sedqa

Focal Person to provide

feedback to Head of School

Focal Person to provide

feedback to Director General

Hand over in SAP enevelope to Police and fill in the SAP Receipt

Fill in SAP Form and send a copy to the Focal Person

Head to Refer Parents to

Focal Person

the alleged user General on 2598 2404

Contact Parents of Phone Director

Seal substance in SAP Envelope

Phone Druq Squad on 21 243333, 21 224001

Phone Focal Person on 21 231567

Staff to Report to Head of school immiediately

Phone 112 for medical emergency, if necessary

Separate Student Accompany User

and Supervice to Head's Office and supervise

Procedure A: Substance Found *

Procedure A1:

STUDENT USER

Procedure A2:

STAFF USER

Procedure A3:

NON STUDENT, NON STAFF

OR NO USER

PROCEDURES

Procedure A: Substance Found1. When any suspicious substance is found, the personwho finds the substance has to inform the Head of schoolwithin the hour. 2. After a quick reconnaissance of the situation by theHead of school personally, the substance is to beremoved, sealed in a special envelope1, and placed in asafe place under lock and key. The key should beaccessible only to the Head of school. All the keys to thesafe place should be collected and kept by the Head ofschool.

3. The substance should not be smelled, tasted or in anyother way dabbled with by any member of the school. Itis important for the chain of evidence to be leftundisturbed until the Police arrive. 4. The Head of school should immediately phone thePolice Inspector acting as schools contact person at theDrugs Squad [21 243333, 21 224001]. It is importantthat the Head of school makes contact only with theDrugs Squad and no other police entity.2

5. The Head of school should then contact the FocalPerson by phone [21 231567] for consultation and reportthe information as soon as possible. 6. The Police will collect the substance directly fromthe Head of school in a sealed SAP envelope that issigned by the Head and countersigned by the Police. TheHead and the Police will also jointly sign a copy of theSAP Receipt3. 7. The Head should fill in the SAP FORM4 and send acopy to the Focal Person within 3 working days. 8. If it is confirmed that the substance is in fact anillegal one, the Police and sedqa will follow up the caseand keep the Focal Person informed of all developments.

9. The Focal Person should also provide a quantum ofinformation by way of feedback to the Head of School.

1 Special envelopes and pairs of gloves for handling substances are found in this pack.2 It may be advisable, if the suspect is a student, for the Head not to phone the Police in the

student's presence but to do this from a separate place.3 Sample of SAP Receipt on page 17 of this pack. 4 Sample SAP Form on page 18 of this pack.

Fill in SAP Form andsend copy to FocalPerson.

SUBSTANCEFOUND

Staff to Reportto Head of

schooli di t l

ImmediateSupervision

& Situation

Assessment

Phone Focal Person on 21 231567

Phone Drugs Squad on21 243333, 21 224001

Seal substancein SAP Envelope

Focal Person to get

feedback from Policeand Sedqa

Consign envelope toPolice and fill in and sign

SAP Receipt

Procedure A1: Substance Found - User is a Student

1. If emergency medical attention is warranted, itshould be attended to as the first priority1. In this casephone Emergency 112.

2. If the alleged user is a student, he or she should beplaced under strict supervision immediately.

3. If no medical intervention is required, the allegeduser (the student) should be separated from the rest ofhis/her schoolmates. Under no circumstances shouldthe alleged user (the student) be left alone. 4. Parents should be informed, by the Head of schoolpersonally, while further action is taken. Whenspeaking to parents keep these three points in mind:

a. Whilst conceding the parents' right forinformation this should NOT stop you fromtaking all the action prescribed by theseprocedures.

b. If the parents cannot be contacted then oneshould proceed.

c. The least said the better. No details should begiven over the phone.

5. Parents are to be referred to the Focal Person forfurther information and support.

6. The name of the alleged user should not bedisclosed to staff members unless strictlynecessary. This is done to safeguard the student’sbest interests.

7. The Focal Person is to summon immediately a caseconference with the Head of school, parents, careservice providers and others involved for adecision on whether the student should continue orotherwise to attend school. This decision will betaken according to the specific case, situation andthe established Education Division policies,keeping the school students' interest uppermost.

1 Please find a brief description of First Aid techniques that may be used in these cases on page 19 ofthis pack.

Phone 112for medical

emergency if any

Separate User and Supervise

Contact Parentsof the allegedstudent user ofthe substance

Do NOT disclose anyinformation to

anyone

This procedure should not beadopted on its own but has to beused only in conjunction withProcedure A on page 12.

Refer Parentsto FocalPerson

Continuewith

Procedure A

Focal person to providefeedback to Head of School

Case conferenceis summoned

Procedure A2: Substance Found - User is a Member of Staff

1. If the ahas to be hperson is pe

2. If emeshould be aEmergency

3. The allschool’s ofalleged use 4. The nashould notperson shoThis measuthe school’ 5. The HeDirector Gthe Acting onwards bcase. Theinformation

6. Anothethe Directo

1 Please fin

Phone 112for medical

emergency if

This procedure should not beadopted on its own but has to beused only in conjunction withProcedure A on page 12.

lleged user is a staff member, the matterandled with the utmost discretion as thisrceived as a role model.

rgency medical attention is warranted, itttended to as the first priority1 by phoning 112.

eged user should be directed to the Head office. Under no circumstances should ther be left alone.

me of the alleged user (staff member) be disclosed. No staff member or otheruld be informed unless strictly necessary.re safeguards the alleged user (staff) and

s best interests.

ad of school should refer the case to theeneral of Education, or, in his/her absence,Director General, who will from that pointe responsible for the management of the Focal Person shall also provide further required by the Director General.

r copy of the SAP Form should be sent tor General under confidential cover.

d a brief description of First Aid techniques on page 19.

necessary

Accompany User to Head’s Office

and supervise

Phone Director General

on 2598 2404

Send an additionalcopy of SAP

Form to DirectorGeneral

Focafee

Continue with Procedure A

l Person to providedback to Director

General

Procedure A3: Substance Found - User is neither a student, nor amember of staff

1. If the alleged user is neither a student nor astaff member but only an occasional orhabitual visitor to the school, the Head ofschool is still responsible for referring the case.

2. If emergency medical attention iswarranted, it should be attended to as the firstpriority1 by phoning Emergency 112. 3. The Police Inspector acting as schoolcontact person within the Drugs Squad shouldbe contacted immediately, within the hour onphone number 21 243333 or 21 224001.

1 Please find a brief description of First Aid techniques on page 19.

Pro

Phone DrugsSquad on

21 243333 or21 224001

This procedure should not beadopted on its own but has to beused only in conjunction withProcedure A on page 12.

Phone 112for medical

emergency ifnecessary

Followcedure A

Procedure B - Strong Suspicions that a student or staff is abusingsubstances

1. If any member of the school staff shouldcome to know, suspect, or disclosures are made tohim/her that a student or a member of staff isdabbling in or using illegal substances inside oroutside school, then that member of staff is dutybound to report this to the Head of Schoolimmediately on the same day. This should occureven though the member of staff has no hardevidence in hand to back the information at hand.

2. The Head of School should immediatelycontact the Focal Person on phone 21 231567 forconsultation and to pass on the necessaryinformation within the same day.

3. The case should be recorded on SAP Formand filed for further reference. A copy of thisForm should be sent to the Focal Person.

4. After consultations, the Focal Person shouldcall a case conference as early as possible. Adecision must then be taken on how to pursue thematter is to be pursued further.

Staff to Report toHead of school onsame day

Focal person tocall a CaseConference

Disclosures,Strong

Suspicions,Important

Information

Head toConsult Focal

Person on 21 231567

Fill in SAP Form and send a copy to the

Focal Person

This is to certify that I have received from Mr/Ms__________________,

Head of School / acting in lieu of Head of School, a sealed envelope

whose contents have been found in _______________________ school

and which are to be analysed in connection with possible substance

abuse.

Name of Police Officer: _______________________

Rank/Number: _______________________

Signature: _______________________

Date and Time: _______________________

This is to certify that I have deposited with Insp._________________ of

the Drugs Squad a sealed envelope whose contents have been found in

_________________________________ school and which are to be

analysed in conjunction with possible substance abuse.

Name of Head of School:_______________________

Grade : _______________________

Signature: _______________________

Date and Time: _______________________

SAP Receipt

Name ofSchool

School Address

School Telephone No.Fax No.E-Mail Address:

Date and Timeof Incident

For use by focal person only

Headof School

Alleged user’s name

Brief Description of Inc

Additional Remarks, if

Address

Signature of Head, date

ident

any:

and time:

A

Person responsiblein Head's absence

S.A.P. Form

School Rubber Stamp

DOB ID No:

ction Taken (including dates)

Tel No:

Father's/Mother's names

First Aid Techniques

THE RECOVERY POSITION

Any unconscious casualty should beplaced in the recovery position. This isespecially the case for suspectedcasualties of substance abuse. Thisposition prevents the tongue fromblocking the throat, and because thehead is slightly lower than the body

allows liquids to drain from the mouth,reducing the risk of casualty inhalingstomach contents. The head neck andback are kept in a straight line, while thebent limbs keep the body propped in asecure and comfortable position. If you

must leave an unconscious casualtyunattended, he or she can safely be left in

the recovery position while you get help.

The technique for turning assumes thatthe casualty is lying on his or her backfrom the start. Naturally not all the stepswill be necessary if the casualty is lyingon his or her front or side.

Before turning a casualty make sure toremove all bulky objects from thepockets, spectacles and any tight belts orneckties.

1.Open airwayby tilting headback and liftingchin. Straightenlegs and bendone arm at theelbow with thepalm upwards.

2.Bring the otherarm across thechest and holdthe hand palmoutwards againstthe casualty’scheek

3.Grasp thethigh furthestfrom you andpull the kneeup, keepingfoot flat.

4.Keeping thehand pressedagainst the cheek,pull at the thighand roll towardsyou. Make surethe airway remainsopen and adjustupper leg ifnecessary

IMPORTANTShould there be a suspect spinal injury, such as after a large fall, specialattention and support should be given to the neck area when handling thecasualty. If limbs are injured and cannot be bent, the body should bepropped up to prevent it from toppling forward.

LIST OF CONTACT PERSONS

Organisation/Service

Name of ContactPersons Tel No Fax No Address

Medical Emergency Medical Officeron Duty 112 21 240176

Emergency and AdmittingDepartment,

St Luke’s HospitalGwardamangia

Focal PersonEducation Division Mr Edmond Pace 21 231567 21 252866

Student Services CentreSarria Street

Floriana VLT 16

Police Drugs Squad Insp. Josric Mifsud21 24333321 224001 21 235476

Drugs SquadPolice GeneralHeadquarters

Floriana CMR 02

sedqa Ms JosianneCamilleri

21 44101421 441015 21 441029

sedqaDrugs Community Team

Braille StreetSta Venera HMR11

Director GeneralEducation Mr Charles Mizzi 21 221401

25982404 21 246782Education DivisionFloriana CMR 02