Most children in DFPS conservatorship never need psychotropic medications.
Children who are traumatized by abuse, neglect or separation may show negative behaviors or signs of emotional stress that are a normal reaction to what they have been through. Also, all children act out at different stages of their lives. For example, two-year olds commonly have temper tantrums and teenagers often rebel.
Support from caregivers knowledgeable of trauma-informed care can help a child heal.
But some children need medication to cope with the trauma of abuse, neglect or separation. Other children need medication to treat behavioral health disorders that they inherited or developed, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), severe depression, or psychosis.
Psychotropic medications may help children function at home, in school, and in their daily lives. They may need these medications temporarily to treat emotional stress or long-term to treat life-long behavioral health disorders.
