Written by Cristina Tanzola
Navigating mental health as a youth in foster care can be incredibly challenging, particularly when it comes to the use of medication. While many young people access mental health services and pharmacotherapies during their time in care, the reality shifts dramatically after they leave care.
Understanding the Landscape
Research shows that while youth in foster care have relatively high rates of accessing mental health services and medications, many stop taking these medications after exiting care. Alarmingly, a significant number of young adults report that they discontinue pharmacotherapy of their own accord and without medical supervision. This raises important questions about the adequacy of support systems in place for those transitioning out of foster care.
The Barriers to Medication Adherence
For many young adults leaving foster care, the journey to maintaining mental health is fraught with obstacles:
The Protective Factors at Play
Research identifies three critical protective factors that can help young people manage their mental health effectively:
To truly understand the complexities of medication use among youth in foster care, it’s important to listen to their voices. Richard, a Lived Experience Leader, shares what he went through during his time in care:
Concerns About Unnecessary Prescriptions
“When I was in group homes, there were a lot of kids that had been prescribed medication that they didn’t need. They had talked to the psychiatrist and said they had many different ‘symptoms’ that were made up. The psychiatrist didn’t take the time to check on the problem before prescribing medications.”
This reflects a critical concern: the lack of thorough assessment and individualized care can lead to mistrust in the mental health system, making young people hesitant to engage with medication.
Fear of Dependency
“My first therapist was very focused on getting me to take medication. I remember two things from that time: yoga sessions with my cousin and the constant emphasis on medication. I always felt a resistance to this approach. I didn’t want to rely on medication for my happiness; the thought of it scared me. What if, once I was off the medication, I couldn’t feel happiness on my own? I worried it would create a false sense of positivity.”
This fear is widespread among youth, illustrating the anxiety around dependency on medication for emotional well-being.
Feeling Overwhelmed and Isolated
“The insistence on medication started to feel overwhelming. It led to a sense of resentment—not just toward the therapy itself, but also toward the therapist. It felt like they weren’t really listening to me, as if my personal struggles were reduced to checkboxes on a form. In a world where we crave connection and understanding, this lack of genuine engagement can make us feel isolated.”
This highlights a critical gap in mental health care: the need for a therapeutic approach that prioritizes listening and understanding over simply prescribing solutions.
Moving Toward Better Support
Addressing the complexities surrounding medication for youth in foster care requires a multifaceted approach. Mental health systems must focus on providing accessible, individualized care that genuinely listens to the experiences and concerns of young people.
Creating a supportive environment where youth feel empowered to make informed decisions about their mental health can make a significant difference in their well-being. By advocating for more comprehensive support systems and prioritizing authentic engagement, we can help ensure that young adults leaving foster care have the tools they need to navigate their mental health journey successfully.
The relationship with medication is a complex and often challenging aspect of mental health for youth in foster care. By understanding the barriers they face and amplifying their voices, we can work toward a system that truly supports their needs and fosters resilience. Together, we can help create a brighter future for all young people navigating the often turbulent waters of mental health.
About FosterClub and the Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders who contributed their perspectives to this blog: FosterClub, a proud partner of the National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health, is the national network for young people who experience foster care. In partnership with Lived Experience Leaders, FosterClub drives change in the child welfare system and provides direct support to children and youth.
