Foster Care: States' Protocols for the Use and Monitoring of Psychotropic Medications for Children in Foster Care

Psychotropic medications are used to treat mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pursuant to section 422(b)(15)(A) of the SSA, each State must develop a plan for ongoing oversight and coordination of health services for children in foster care, including oversight of prescription medicines, e.g., appropriate use and monitoring of psychotropic medications. We will describe States' protocols for the appropriate use and monitoring of psychotropic medications for children in foster care. For selected States, we will determine whether a sample of children in foster care enrolled in Medicaid received psychotropic medications in accordance with their State's protocols. Because ACF is responsible for the oversight of States' foster care programs, we will determine the extent to which the Agency ensures that children in foster care receive psychotropic drugs in accordance with States' protocols.

Announced or Revised	Agency	Title	Component	Report Number(s)	Expected Issue Date (FY)
Completed	Administration for Children and Families	Foster Care: States' Protocols for the Use and Monitoring of Psychotropic Medications for Children in Foster Care	Office of Evaluation and Inspections	OEI-07-15-00380	2018