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Report File
Date Issued
Submitting OIG
Department of Health & Human Services OIG
Other Participating OIGs
Department of Health & Human Services OIG
Agencies Reviewed/Investigated
Department of Health & Human Services
Components
Administration for Children and Families
Report Number
OEI-07-15-00380
Report Description

Up to 80 percent of children enter foster care with significant mental health needs. For children with mental health needs, psychotropic medications (i.e., medication used to treat clinical psychiatric symptoms or mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders) may be effective treatments. However, these medications can have serious side effects and, as ACF suggests, should be used in conjunction with treatment planning mechanisms and effective medication monitoring.A 2015 OIG report found-based on review of medical records-serious quality-of-care concerns in the treatment of children with psychotropic medications.

Report Type
Inspection / Evaluation
Agency Wide
Yes
Number of Recommendations
2

Open Recommendations

This report has 1 open recommendations.
Recommendation Number Significant Recommendation Recommended Questioned Costs Recommended Funds for Better Use Additional Details
5698 Yes $0 $0

ACF should develop a comprehensive strategy to improve States’ compliance with requirements related to treatment planning and medication monitoring for psychotropic medication

Department of Health & Human Services OIG

United States