cshPRESS
March 19, 2007
Expert Panel Developing Psychotropic Medication Guidelines
March 19, 2007: Corinne Hodgson, President of Corinne S. Hodgson and Associates Inc., has been contracted by the Ministry of Child and Youth Services (MCYS) to provide writing and editorial services for the Ontario Expert Panel for the Administration of Psychotropic Drugs for children and youth in care. The assignment involves a number of duties, including the development of quarterly reports for the Assistant Deputy Minister, an overall Panel report, and working with four working groups to produce standards on collaborative teams (“shared care”), training of direct care workers, informed consent, and implementation.
Hodgson brings to this panel experience derived from her work with the Depression Strategy Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.
The Expert Panel was convened by the MCYS to address issues and weaknesses regarding the administration of psychotropic medications to children and youth in care. A 2007 article in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry suggests that up to 32% of children who are permanent wards with no access to biological parts have been diagnosed with a mental disorder. Estimates of the number of children in care who are prescribed some form of psychotropic medication vary, with one report claiming the rate to be as high as 50%. The Expert Panel’s work will help to put into place mechanisms and training to better protect children and youth from inappropriate use of these powerful medications.
CSH Associates, Inc., is a consultancy that focuses upon health statistics, research and communications. Founded in 1989 and drawing upon a range of specialized research and communications professionals, it helps health-oriented organizations and businesses to “Work their data. Shape their message.”
For more information, contact:
Corinne Hodgson, President
CSH Associates Inc.
378 Melores Drive, Burlington, Ontario, Canada L7L 4T8
Ph: 905-634-4019 Fax: 905-534-3515 E: corinne@cshassociates.com