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States' Use of the Automated Child Welfare Information Systems to Monitor Medication Prescribed to Children in Foster Care

Psychotropic and opioid drugs are among those that may be prescribed to children in foster care. Psychotropic medications treat mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Prescription opioids include narcotics to manage pain from surgery, injury, or illness, and have a high risk for abuse and misuse. To receive certain Federal funding for child welfare services, States are required to have a plan for overseeing and coordinating health care services for any child in foster care placement, including protocols for the appropriate use and monitoring of medications (the Social Security Act § 422(b)(15)(A)). The Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) is a federally funded information system for State child welfare agencies to support case management for children and families receiving child welfare services. We will review States' use of the CCWIS for monitoring psychotropic and opioid medications prescribed to children in foster care. Because the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) oversees States' foster care programs, we will also determine the extent to which ACF ensures that children in foster care receive medications in accordance with State requirements.

Announced or Revised Agency Title Component Report Number(s) Expected Issue Date (FY)
Completed Administration for Children and Families States' Use of the Automated Child Welfare Information Systems to Monitor Medication Prescribed to Children in Foster Care Office of Audit Services A-05-18-00007;
W-00-18-59434;
W-00-21-59434;
W-00-22-59434;
A-05-21-00020;
A-05-21-00030;
A-05-22-00009;
A-05-22-00007		 2024