Summary: This guide by the National Judicial Task Force (NCFTJ) was created to examine state courts’ response to mental illness, specifically on the oversight of psychotropic medication prescribed to children in foster care. It describes the problem of medicating children and misdiagnosing them instead of accurately assessing the outcome of their traumatic life experiences. It reviews collaborative entities and legislation and policies that require judicial oversight, and provides state examples and resources.
Application: This brief can be a helpful outline for those who need to further understand how psychotropic medications are being misused with children and some recommendations to monitor and avoid this.