The Use of Psychotropic Medications over Time among Foster Youth Transitioning to Adulthood

Concerns about the high use of psychotropic medications among young people in foster care prompted national leaders to mandate that child welfare agencies begin monitoring the use of these medications among children in state care. This study examined psychotropic medication use among transition-age foster youth in California over time and based on factors like behavioral health problems. This memo outlines overall rates of psychotropic medication use, differences by subgroups of foster youth, changes in use over time, and how these young people describe their experiences with these medications.