Throughout the past few months the discussion around the use of psychotropic medications in the foster care system has gotten increased attention among national leaders and policy makers. In fact on December 1st the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security held a hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building to address “The Financial and Societal Costs of Medicating America’s Foster Children.”
Even the Obama Administration has taken note of this issue and said in a letter to state officials last week that it was concerned about the “safe, appropriate and effective use” of the drugs, which are most often prescribed to adolescents in connection with a diagnosis for mood or conduct disorders, though many child advocates believe they are frequently used as chemical restraints because of their numbing effect on kids. (to read the letter just click the link below)
http://www.youthtoday.org/doc/State_Director_Letter_-_Joint_ACF_CMS_and_SAMHSA_November_23_2011%20%281%29.pdf http://www.youthtoday.org/view_article.cfm?article_id=5131
The National Foster Care Coalition would love to hear your thoughts on the matter and what you see happening in your own communities. Are you currently seeing the same issue happening in your state/county? How have you gone about addressing this issue? What can NFCC do to help?
Even the Obama Administration has taken note of this issue and said in a letter to state officials last week that it was concerned about the “safe, appropriate and effective use” of the drugs, which are most often prescribed to adolescents in connection with a diagnosis for mood or conduct disorders, though many child advocates believe they are frequently used as chemical restraints because of their numbing effect on kids. (to read the letter just click the link below)
http://www.youthtoday.org/doc/State_Director_Letter_-_Joint_ACF_CMS_and_SAMHSA_November_23_2011%20%281%29.pdf http://www.youthtoday.org/view_article.cfm?article_id=5131
The National Foster Care Coalition would love to hear your thoughts on the matter and what you see happening in your own communities. Are you currently seeing the same issue happening in your state/county? How have you gone about addressing this issue? What can NFCC do to help?
RSS Feed