In 2015, local news media reported on the large number of psychiatric drugs foster children were being given throughout the state. In response to questions from Supervisor Simitian and his Board colleagues, County staff reported that a high percentage of foster children in our County were in fact receiving these drugs, some at a very young age and often for long periods of time. Supervisor Simitian proposed that County provide a dedicated nurse to monitor psychiatric medication in the foster care population as part of the overall treatment plan.