These prescribing standards are for use in reviewing a JV-220(A) application for the court. These psychotropic prescription guidelines and standard of care were adopted in 2018 by CDSS and CDHS. If a youth’s prescriptions are not in agreement with this guide, the prescribing doctor must submit additional special justification (and/or consultation) documenting the medical rationale to the court for approval or denial. The goal is to ensure that foster youth receive the minimum number of psychotropic medications necessary in the lowest therapeutic doses for the appropriate age.
All Ages #
Medication dose(s) within the usual recommended dose(s) defined in the most recent version of the State parameters. (See Appendix B)
Ages 12-17 #
Allows up to 3 psychotropic medications which may include:
- 1 antipsychotic (atypical or typical)
- 1 mood stabilizer (anti-psychotics not included)
- 1 antidepressant (trazodone as hypnotic excepted)
- 1 stimulant (this does not include a long-activating stimulant and immediate-release stimulate that is the same chemical entity (e.g., methylphenidate-OROS and methylphenidate)
- 1 hypnotic (including trazodone, diphenhydramine, zolpidem and melatonin, benzodiazepines, not including clonidine, guanfacine. and prazosin)
Ages 6-11 #
Allows up to 2 psychotropic medications
- 1 antipsychotic (atypical or typical)
- 1 mood stabilizer (anti-psychotics not included)
- 1 antidepressant (trazodone as hypnotic excepted)
- 1 stimulant (this does not include a long-activating stimulant and immediate-release stimulate that is the same chemical entity (e.g., methylphenidate-OROS and methylphenidate)
- 1 hypnotic (including trazodone, diphenhydramine, zolpidem and melatonin, benzodiazepines, not including clonidine, guanfacine. and prazosin)
Ages 0-5 #
Allows up to 1 psychotropic medication which may include:
- Stimulants
- Atomoxetine
- Guanfacine
- Clonidine
- Risperidone (for Autistic Spectrum Disorders and associated aggression)