DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

The implementation of this policy should be seen as an honest attempt to identify and assist learners in crisis without victimization.
The aim of the policy is to:
assist those who genuinely want assistance
Show consequences of refusing assistance

Prevention
We undertook to do the following:

Appoint a member of staff to co-ordinate all incidents relating to the misuse of mood altering substance
Include all issues relating to substance abuse to a life skills programme
Involve outside organization with expertise in this field

NOTE: If a learner is suspected of, or caught dealing in, legal or illegal drugs, the school will investigate and if necessary refer to the authorities.

Disciplinary Process

This will include:

Information gathering
Parental involvement at the initial and for the duration of the treatment
Involving outside experts
A disciplinary hearing

TESTING AND SEARCHING

Random testing and searching will be done in terms of the National Act 52 of substance abuse of 2000.

When the school reasonably suspects that a learner has a prohibited substance in their possession, the learner and their possession will be searched. The school undertakes to make reasonable efforts to inform the parents in the event the parent cannot be traced the school will proceed with the matter.

CONSEQUENCES

If a learner is turns to a counselor or an appointed educator for help with substance misuse or addiction the matter shall be dealt as confidential. The learner will be offered help and no disciplinary action will be imposed. The amnesty does not apply to a learner caught breaking the rule.

Range of sanctions may include:

Withdrawal of certain rights
Prescribed community service
Suspension in order that counseling may be offered
A contract may be drawn up between the learner and the school, with parental consultation. The consequences in the event the learner defaulted will also specify action to be taken.

DECLARATION:

I declare that I have read I.R. Lesolangs policy with regard to substance abuse/misuse and that I accept consequences of any breach of this policy.

Signed at………………………………On this ……………………………….day of……………200
Learners signature…………………………………..
Parental/Guardian signature………………………………….

We would like to thank SAPS for their suggested policy which provided this one.