The San Jose Mercury News has begun publishing a multi-part series on the alarming use of psychotropic medications among youth in California’s foster-care system. Among the findings: 60% of foster children have been prescribed an antipsychotic, and 12% of those who received a psychotropic drug were prescribed two to four psychotropic medications at a time.
Denver Post reporters explore psychotropic-drug prescriptions to Colorado foster kids; the US spends more on teen pregnancy than family planning; and five million US workers have stopped looking for jobs.
Public Health Practice
Early investments matter: Infant mortality, vulnerable children, and foster care
A few thought-provoking pieces I’ve read this week demonstrate the extent to which the US is failing to invest in our next generation. John Schmid of the Journal Sentinel points out that 44 other countries have lower infant mortality rates than the US (by UNICEF ranking), and we’re tied for 45th place with Montenegro and […]