In recent years, valuable research studies and efforts at the federal level have increased attention to high rates of psychotropic medication use among children covered by Medicaid, particularly for children in foster care. This infographic is a companion to the Center for Health Care Strategies’ (CHCS) national analysis of 2011 Medicaid claims data — available as part of CHCS’ ongoing Children’s Faces of Medicaid data analysis series — which identified a 28 percent increase in psychotropic medications use among this population between 2005 and 2011.

*The National Technical Assistance Network for Children’s Behavioral Health at the University of Maryland is funded by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through Contract #HHSS280201500007C. The views, opinions, and content expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or policies of CMHS, SAMHSA, or HHS.