Problem definition

The specific problem being addressed in this state bill is the use of psychotropic medication being overly administered to foster children. Some objective indicators the problem exists in the state of GA are the fact that over 32% of children in foster care are receiving psychotropic medication.  Thousands are prescribed in excess of the FDA dose.  Furthermore, many receive as many as five psychotropic drugs at the same time.  Several children under the age of one are also being prescribed mind altering medications (https://jjie.org/studey-finds-georgia-foster-kids-overmedicated/).

Groups most affected by this problem are foster children.  Children in foster care are at increased risk for mental illnesses and behavioral issues for various reasons.   Possible abuse and neglect, loss of family members, and dealing with different caregivers and multiple placements add to their difficulties.  Often times they are switched from home to home and records regarding medications taken and possible problem behaviors are lost.  They lack consistent adults in their lives who can consent and manage their treatments  (Longhoefer, J, 397).

This problem impacts people and communities negatively because it is hurting children.  It is a human rights violation.  The problem is present in different communities in Georgia.  Foster children are all over the state.  The problem “looks the same” everywhere; although in smaller towns people generally know each other and it may be less difficult to potentially misplace children’s records.  When one looks at data on children prescribed psychotropic medication, a specific county does not stand out more than another; it is simply children in state care.

Types of people most affected by the problem are children in foster care; specifically those with mental or behavioral disorders. There are similar problem in the states of Florida and Texas.  In Florida, a seven year old child committed suicide as a result of being prescribed a drug not recommended for use in children under the age of 18.  Investigations led to findings such as:  half of the children in state care between ages 6-7 were taking 2 or more drugs at the same time, in 86% of cases, the doctor who prescribed the drug did not complete a treatment plan, in over 75% of cases, caseworkers did not give guardians proper information concerning the effects of the drugs, in 58% of the cases the state did not even attempt to gain consent from the guardian, and in 40% of cases, the child was being given the incorrect dosage (http://gabrielmyers.wordpress.com).  In Texas, the Citizens Commission on Human Rights states:  60% of foster children are drugged with 93% of drugs being prescribed by psychiatrists.  The pharmaceutical companies play a major role in encouraging use on foster children.  In 2007, they made $37.9 million on psychotropic medication for foster children (www.CChrtexas.org).  This is a National problem; not just a state one.