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California welfare and institutions code § 369.5 authorization of psychotropic medication to California's dependent children A policy analysis

<p> The purpose of this policy analysis is to critically review the Welfare and Institutions Code&sect; 369.5, which regulates the authorization of psychotropic medication to treat mental disorders among California's dependent children. While these medications have been proven effective forms of treatment, there is a growing concern about their life threatening side effects.</p><p> Research has concluded that children exposed to chronic child abuse and neglect often present with behaviors indicative of trauma. The <i>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</i> 5th Edition has included criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.) in children. However, the Welfare and Institutions Code&sect; 369.5 does not mandate psychiatrists and pediatricians to first rule out trauma prior to diagnosing foster children with one or more behavior, mood, or psychotic disorders.</p><p> Results support amending child welfare legislation and policies to reflect a shift toward trauma-focused services, thereby reducing the reliance on potentially dangerous pharmaceutical drugs.</p>

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:1527687
Date06 June 2014
CreatorsCole, LaQuitta D.
PublisherCalifornia State University, Long Beach
Source SetsProQuest.com
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typethesis

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