
Course Summary
In this course, you can expect to learn:
- General concerns revolving around the use of psychotropic medications for children and youth
- How to engage your young person in conversations about their mental health and the use of medication to manage it
- Trauma-informed strategies to manage a child or youth’s mental health

Step 1
Read "Foster Kids Given Psychiatric Drugs At Higher Rates", a national media story from NPR that provides an overview of the psychotropic medication issue in foster care.

Step 2
Learn what the impact psychotropic medications has on a young person and get a better understanding of your child’s behavior in reaction to psychotropic medications. Read "Colorado Responds Slowly to Psychotropic Drug Use Among Foster Kids", an in-depth report published by the Denver Post (2014), featuring FosterClub young leader Diego Conde.

Step 3
Review "Making Healthy Choices", a guide developed for youth in foster care regarding making decisions about their mental health, treatment options, and the use of psychotropic medications.

Step 4
Learn more about treatment for youth in foster care who have experienced trauma and are working to improve their mental health by reviewing "Supporting Youth in Foster Care in Making Healthy Choices" , a guide for caregivers and other supportive adults

Step 5
Join the discussion in the comments below to answer the following question:
How should foster parents be consulted or actively participate in the treatment plans of children and youth they care for?
Course Discussion
bclickwar said:
bclickwar said:
skipper123 said:
spedteacher828 said:
Q50mcneil replied:
Q50mcneil replied: