LAUSR

OBJECTIVES Bring awareness of the health disparity of higher psychotropic medication use among foster youth, describe barriers to optimizing foster children's medication regimen from the perspective of people who work closely with them, and propose practical strategies to empower pharmacists to identify and care for this vulnerable population. SUMMARY A total of 11 focus groups with 72 participants were conducted. Although the discussion guide did not specifically address pharmacists or pharmacies, participants in 9 groups referenced them. The pharmacist-related comments fell under 2 main themes: (1) Pharmacists are recognized as medication experts and their expertise is valued. (2) Those caring for foster youth observe barriers to optimal medication therapy that are unique to children in the foster care system. Practical considerations include providing education to social workers, offering unit-dose packaging, offering delivery, and being a resource during transitions of care. CONCLUSION Higher rates of psychotropic medication use among foster youth in the United States have raised concern for several decades. Pharmacists are recognized as medication experts by the foster care team, creating an opportunity for pharmacists to become more involved in optimizing psychotropic medication use among foster youth.