SOCIAL JUSTICE BLOG

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Class Action Protects Maine Foster Youth from Dangerous Risks of Psychotropics
Class Actions, Foster Care, Psychotropics Teddy Basham-Witherington Class Actions, Foster Care, Psychotropics Teddy Basham-Witherington

Class Action Protects Maine Foster Youth from Dangerous Risks of Psychotropics

Psychotropics can be a meaningful and effective treatment for children with mental health conditions when administered appropriately, but administering them without informed consent, proper oversight, or review can lead to serious, and sometimes life-threatening, consequences. The reforms achieved in the settlement in Bryan C. v. Lambrew are paramount for protecting foster youth. The work of Children’s Rights has ensured that children just like Bryan C. are free of unnecessary and harmful prescriptions and that their voices are heard.

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Indiscriminate Use of Psychotropics among Children in Foster Care Is a National Disgrace
Foster Care, Psychotropics, Class Actions Teddy Basham-Witherington Foster Care, Psychotropics, Class Actions Teddy Basham-Witherington

Indiscriminate Use of Psychotropics among Children in Foster Care Is a National Disgrace

Because of the success of our lawsuit, Missouri will now begin implementing reforms to protect these children: medical records will be monitored; doctors and caregivers, with real input from youth, will vet the risks and the benefits of medication before it is administered; and an independent child psychiatrist will be available to provide secondary review of prescriptions for efficacy and safety.

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