This topic can put people on the opposite sides of the fences quickly. Over time and with experience, I have changed my mind on this subject. There is great concern on how many foster children are taking psychotropic drugs and other medications. There is not a clear cut and simple right or wrong answer to this concern.

First, I do understand there are foster children on medications that probably do not need them. Not every foster child needs medications. I have dealt with quite a few foster children without medications.

The numbers of foster children that are taking psychotropic drugs and other medications compared to other children (meaning the ones living in a safe home without abuse) are alarming and shocking.

How can you compare children that have endured sexual abuse by the people that are supposed to love them, abused physical to the point of burns, broken bones and brain damage, locked in a closet most of their lives, they have seen people kill each other, they have been left for days to care for themselves, toddlers and infants that have never been held or touched on a regular basis, etc. to the “other children” that have normal, safe, happy childhoods and families?

Then the effects of the biological mothers doing meth, any other kind of drugs they can get their hands on including prescription drugs they buy illegally or steal and do not forget the alcohol can cause life long damage to the unborn baby. These babies are trying to develop as a normal baby and then “mom” gets high with her drug of choice then the fetus then becomes high right along with “mom”. In most cases, this does not just happen a few times this happens on a daily basis for the baby. These babies can be born high or addicted on drugs that “mom” has taken. Some will have to go through drug withdrawal, with crying, muscle spasms, uncontrollable jerking and unable to sleep for a few days or even weeks.

Foster care articles at adoption.com:

New Hope for Kids in Foster Care

New Study Looks at Success Rates of Adoptions of Children from Foster Care