There are times that a child or adolescent may need a medication to help manage their behavioral or mental health challenges - these medications are classified as psychotropic medications. Data from across the country has shown that youth in foster care are prescribed psychotropic medications at a higher rate than other youth and often without informed consent. Youth in foster care are also prescribed a higher number of psychotropic medications at one time, compared to other children.
In Maine, we expect that all providers of psychotropic medications will review the risks and benefits of psychotropic medications with the youth and their caseworker as well as the resource parents.
Caseworkers will attend appointments when psychotropic medication prescriptions will be discussed. The Informed Consent Form (PDF) must be completed and signed. If the case meets criteria for a clinical review, the caseworker should request a review.
For questions regarding the Maine Psychotropic medication prescription policy for children and youth in foster care email: PsychotropicMedications.OCFS@Maine.Gov
OCFS developed guidelines for the medical community: Psychotropic Medication Guidelines (PDF)