Medication of Children and Youth in Foster Care

Abstract

Abstract This study examined the type and frequency of prescribed medication of foster care youth in a south Florida county during April, 2001. Using file reviews and structured interviews with targeted case managers, it was found that 23% of the total sample (n = 722) were currently using medication. Most frequent medications prescribed were Risperdal, Clonidine, Adderall, and Ritalin. The majority of subjects had multiple prescriptions (57%) with no one pattern found for multiple prescribed drugs. The most frequent behaviors and symptoms found for those prescribed medication were sadness, delinquency history, and argumentative behavior. Approximately three-fourths of the youth had medications monitored, while the most frequent schedule of monitoring was monthly. The foster care placement was most likely to monitor medication while a psychiatrist did almost all prescribing. The most frequent placement was therapeutic foster home while the most frequent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnoses were Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depression, and Bi-Polar Disorder. One most striking finding for mental health was that those currently on medication were much more likely to have been Baker Acted (Florida law that provides a reasonable process for involuntarily committing those whose conduct makes them dangerous to themselves or others) than non-medication foster care youth. Finally, few barriers to services were found for the medication sample in receiving medication services.