Medicating foster children: The attorney’s role

Abstract

Founder and President Emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund Marian Wright Edelman writes: “On any given day nearly one in four children in foster care is taking at least one psychotropic medication—more than four times the rate for all children. Nearly half of children living in residential treatment centers or group homes take psychotropic medications. Children in foster care are more likely to be prescribed multiple psychotropic medications at very high doses, although research shows higher doses can result in serious side effects.” A number of states have passed legislation and rules requiring strict guidelines permitting dispensing psychotropic prescriptions to foster children. In a recent Missouri federal class action lawsuit, M.B. v Tidball, a settlement was reached.