Children in care drugged
source: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24591922-601,00.html
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ONE in four children who have been removed from the care of their parents and placed in foster homes are being heavily medicated to control their emotions and behaviour.
And 50 per cent of children under 12 who live in residential care - where children live in small groups under the supervision of social workers - are taking a psychotropic medication.
According to the annual report of the NSW Children's Guardian, 44 per cent of Aboriginal children in residential care are also medicated on drugs such as Ritalin, Strattera and Zoloft.
By comparison, the proportion of children nationwide on psychotropic medication is less than 2 per cent.
The president of the NSW Foster Care Association, Denise Crisp, said it was a nationwide problem.
"We call it the chemical straitjacket," she said. "The problem is if a foster carer has four kids and they have all got behavioural problems, how are you going to control them?
And 50 per cent of children under 12 who live in residential care - where children live in small groups under the supervision of social workers - are taking a psychotropic medication.
According to the annual report of the NSW Children's Guardian, 44 per cent of Aboriginal children in residential care are also medicated on drugs such as Ritalin, Strattera and Zoloft.
By comparison, the proportion of children nationwide on psychotropic medication is less than 2 per cent.
The president of the NSW Foster Care Association, Denise Crisp, said it was a nationwide problem.
"We call it the chemical straitjacket," she said. "The problem is if a foster carer has four kids and they have all got behavioural problems, how are you going to control them?
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