Overview
For vulnerable children, including those in foster care, behavioral health medications and services offered by the child welfare system are a crucial component of their development. This system, which in 2011 served 6.2 million children in the United States, is responsible for services tied to youth well-being, including the use of psychotropic medications for emotional and behavioral problems. However, knowledge of research about recommended practices for appropriate use of medications varies greatly among child welfare professionals. The ways in which research evidence is used differs across states and communities.
