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To improve psychotropic medication prescribing among children in foster care within a state, officials across state agencies are encouraged to come to a consensus around key metrics for determining the appropriateness of care being provided to children served by their programs. Resources in this section provide recommendations on using data for ongoing oversight as well as indicators for the immediate review of a child’s psychotropic medication regimen.


Data Definitions for Psychotropic Medication Oversight and Monitoring (April 2014) – This tool shares common definitions and measures to assist states in establishing oversight and monitoring efforts for psychotropic medication use. A companion webinar describes how these common measures and definitions were identified and agreed upon.


Facilitating Cross-System Data Sharing for Psychotropic Medication Oversight and Monitoring (January 2014) – This webinar explored Oregon and Rhode Island’s successful efforts to develop and implement cross-system data-sharing mechanisms for better oversight and monitoring of psychotropic medication use.


Red Flags and Response Systems for the Oversight and Monitoring of Psychotropic Medications (October 2014) – This webinar describes Maryland and Wyoming’s red flags and response systems — highlighting program design, data collection and monitoring strategies, program evaluation, and lessons learned.


State Highlight: Illinois

Metabolic syndrome is the combination of adverse health effects that may result from the use of antipsychotic medications. These adverse effects include heart disease, obesity, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and high fasting blood sugar. As part of Illinois’ efforts to raise awareness of the potentially dangerous side effects of these medications, the state developed a Metabolic Monitoring Form to help prescribers treating children in foster care improve screening rates for metabolic syndrome.

Learn more about Illinois’ efforts »