Pilot program to review use of psychotropic prescription drugs in Georgia's foster care system

March 18, 2011/ Associated Press

ATLANTA — A pilot program will study of the use of psychotropic drugs in Georgia's foster care system.

State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver said many children in foster care have been traumatized and are in need of mental health treatment but data from the Department of Community Health show they are being prescribed psychotropic drugs at an alarmingly high rate.

Oliver is sponsoring legislation that would create an independent medical review for prescription drug use of children in state custody. It would also require state officials to develop an independent medical review of psychotropic medications.

The pilot program will be funded by Casey Family Programs and run out of the Barton Child Law and Policy Center at Emory University Law School in partnership with the Georgia Department of Human Services.