Care-planning and decision-making for youth with mental health needs in the foster care system

- The over-medication of foster youth has reached alarming proportions.
- One of the factors that contribute to high foster youth psychotropic medication rates is the care planning and decision-making that happen during their time in care.
- This study documented care planning and decision-making processes within family support teams.
- Most family support teams in this study appeared to be making concerted efforts to engage foster youth and families in the care-planning process.
- More research is certainly warranted to understand the care-planning processes within the Child Welfare System, particularly as states struggle to protect this highly vulnerable population.