TREATING CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE: TRENDS, OVERSIGHT, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

Data on very young publicly insured children can inform prescription drug use patterns and the impact of oversight programs. Children in foster care are a particularly vulnerable population as a result of trauma exposure and challenges to access to care. Medicaid claims data show that children in foster care experience higher rates of psychotropic medication use compared to their Medicaid-enrolled peers, and case review data show gaps in use of evidence-based therapies and monitoring response to psychotropic medications.