Psychotropic Medication Use Among Children in Foster Care with Placement Instability: A Statewide Retrospective Analysis

This statewide retrospective analysis investigates the prevalence and patterns of high-risk psychotropic medication prescribing among children in foster care with placement instability. With 236 cases examined between June 2022 and June 2023, the study sought to identify sociodemographic differences in prescribing practices. Findings revealed that 37.3% of children in foster care received high-risk prescriptions, with no significant correlation to race or rurality. The results underscore the complex mental health needs of foster children, who are often subjected to medication regimens that include multiple psychotropics despite potential side effects and without thorough medical oversight. Recognizing the limitations inherent to retrospective data analysis, this study calls for further research to enhance understanding of high-risk prescribing for children with complex trauma in foster care.