---
title: Psychotropic Medication and Psychotropic Polypharmacy Among Children and Adolescents in the US Child Welfare System
description: "This national study found that children and adolescents involved in the child welfare system are prescribed psychotropic medications at significantly higher rates than other Medicaid-enrolled youth, with 26.25% receiving at least one medication compared to 9.06% of their peers. Psychotropic…"
url: "https://bridges4mentalhealth.org/hub/access-to-mental-health-services/psychotropic-medication-and-psychotropic-polypharmacy-among-children-and-adolescents-in-the-us-child-welfare-system/"
updated: "2026-07-31"
category: Access to Mental Health Services
tags:
  - Audience
  - Child welfare professionals
  - Data
  - Mental health professionals
---

# Psychotropic Medication and Psychotropic Polypharmacy Among Children and Adolescents in the US Child Welfare System

This national study found that children and adolescents involved in the child welfare system are prescribed psychotropic medications at significantly higher rates than other Medicaid-enrolled youth, with 26.25% receiving at least one medication compared to 9.06% of their peers. Psychotropic polypharmacy was also more common (13.27% vs 3.11%), with stimulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics most frequently prescribed, reflecting high rates of trauma-related disorders and other mental health conditions among this population.

These findings raise concerns about safety, long-term effects, and the need for careful oversight, highlighting the importance of ensuring appropriate, trauma-informed mental health treatment and stronger policy guidance for prescribing practices in the child welfare system.

[Read More](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2808596)

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